Thanks to the press, the very few shark attacks that happen each year are often blown up out of proportion. The reality is that you have more of a chance of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a shark. There should be no reason to be hesitant about hitting the beach. Yes, shark attacks do happen, but they are very rare. It is understandable though that you would want to be prepared. Therefore, read on below for some ways to keep your health intact and avoid a shark attack.

1. No major splashing allowed. In the wild, seals, birds and fish often make big splashes in the water which attracts sharks. Why make yourself a beacon to them? Avoid flaying in the water and chances are that the shark won't bother with you.

2. Keep the jewelry at home. Many fish look like flashes under the water and that attracts the sharks that end up hunting and eating them. When you wear jewelry, it flashes much like those fish do.

3. Pay attention to the lifeguards and warning signs at the beach. If any of them say that a shark has been spotted in the area, you might want to make sand castles instead of swimming or surfing.

4. Keep cuts and wounds under cover. If you have a bleeding cut or weeping wound, do not set out into the water. At even the minutest hint of blood, the sharks will come to investigate and see if they can find an easy dinner.

5. There are three times of day when sharks are most likely going to swim inland in search of food - night, dawn and dusk. Therefore, you might want to refrain from swimming during those times. Besides, you would not be able to see any unusual water activity at night.

6. Don't swim in water that is murky and dark. Sharks love this type of water because they can sneak swim and attack. Therefore, if the water at your beach is muddier looking than usual, stick to sunbathing for the day.

7. Keep an eye on the local aquatic life. If you notice that the fish are swimming in a bizarre way, you might want to head to shore. Also, dolphins have been known to scare off sharks, so if you see any in your proximity acting rather odd, chances are that they sense a shark nearby. This is a time when the beach is the best place to be.

8. If there are sandbars near your beach or abrupt drop-offs into deep water, do not swim in these areas. Also, avoid swimming too close to the openings near rivers or other water channels. Both of these instances tend to draw sharks.

9. Stay away from those people who are wade fishing, especially if they have are holding their fish on a leader. Sharks have been known to drag fishermen half way under simply because it caught the line of fish. It's easy prey, so it is in a shark's nature to try it.

Just remember - for the most part, you have nothing to worry about in regards to a shark attack at the beach. However, it is always to be safe than sorry later on. So while you may never have to use any of the tips above, read them and remember them.