Diving Deep with Forrest Galante: Unpacking Shark Safety for Ocean Lovers

Ah, summer. The sun's warm, the sand is calling, and for many of us, the ocean beckons with its cool, inviting embrace. But before you dash headlong into the waves, perhaps after a long week, there are a few things worth keeping in mind – especially if you’re a fan of Discovery’s annual Shark Week. Forrest Galante, a truly engaging wildlife biologist, conservationist, and familiar face from the popular television event, has some genuinely smart advice for beachgoers. He recently chatted with Amber Harding from OutKick, sharing insights that could very well make your next dip in the sea a much safer one.

You see, Galante isn't just a TV host; he's out there in the field, actively researching and working to understand these incredible creatures. His latest special, "Alien Sharks: Untamed America," which premiered on Discovery and Max this past Wednesday, delves into the more mysterious sharks inhabiting U.S. waters, even searching in places like Massachusetts. So, when he speaks about shark behavior, it comes from a place of deep, firsthand knowledge.

Let’s get straight to the heart of his wisdom. Forrest makes it clear that most shark incidents aren't predatory; in fact, a staggering 99% of shark bites are cases of mistaken identity. Sharks, bless their hearts, don't have hands. So, when they're curious or trying to figure out if something's food, they do what comes naturally: they investigate with their mouths. This means our goal as humans sharing their habitat is to simply not look or sound like something they'd want to investigate.

Galante offers some really practical, actionable tips:

• Timing is Everything: He strongly advises against swimming during dawn or dusk. Why? Sharks are crepuscular, meaning they're most active and on the hunt during these low-light hours. It’s their prime time for foraging, and visibility for both you and the shark is reduced.
• Watch Your Surroundings: Avoid swimming near river mouths. These areas often carry runoff, attracting smaller fish and, consequently, their predators. Similarly, stay clear of areas where people are fishing. Anglers are literally luring fish into the water – and where there's bait, there are often bigger fish.
• Buddy Up: This one feels almost like common sense, but it bears repeating: don't swim alone. There's safety in numbers, and if something unexpected happens, having someone with you can make all the difference.
• Leave the Bling at Home: Shiny jewelry can unfortunately mimic the flash of scales on a baitfish. It’s best to keep your rings, watches, and necklaces safely tucked away on the sand.

Now, here’s a tip that truly caught my attention, and it’s the kind of detail that highlights Galante’s expertise: avoid crushing beer cans or even plastic water bottles while you’re in the ocean. Seriously! That distinct crunching sound, whether it's aluminum or plastic, can surprisingly resemble the sound of a fish’s bones being crushed. And for a shark, that's like hearing a dinner bell ringing, signaling an easy meal might be nearby. It's such a specific piece of advice, but it makes perfect sense when you consider how sharks perceive their environment.

It’s important to remember that most sharks aren’t actively hunting humans. They're just living their lives in their home. Incidents, like the one in Sydney, Australia, where Palm Beach had to close on January 22, 2026, due to shark activity and strong currents, are a stark reminder of the ocean's raw power and the presence of its inhabitants. By understanding their behaviors and taking a few smart precautions, we can significantly reduce our chances of an unwanted encounter.

So, as you plan your next beach day, take a moment to reflect on Galante’s advice. It’s about respecting the ocean and its magnificent creatures, ensuring that our interactions are safe and harmonious. After all, the ocean is a shared space, and a little awareness goes a long way.