Love the water but worried about sharks? Here are some tips.

Recent shark attacks and sightings in local waters have raised awareness of the predators.

Before jumping into the surf, here are some tips to remain shark-safe.

First, make sure a lifeguard is present and that no warning flags are flying. Maybe even speak with the lifeguard about any signs of trouble such as predatory fish or strong riptides, said Christopher Paparo, Stony Brook University's Marine Sciences Center manager.

It's best to take a dip during the day, as sharks tend to feed around dawn and dusk, he added.

Scan the water and look for nature's signs: a dorsal fin cutting through the surface, or a flock of seabirds circling above the surf, the latter which could mean predatory fish are feeding below, said Kevin Smith, first deputy commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department.

"If you see ripples in the water, it could be a school of fish. If they are close to shore and you see birds overhead, you don't want to go in that mix," he said.

Shark experts also recommend swimming with a buddy and avoiding areas where people are fishing, as the bait can draw predatory fish. 

Avoid erratic movements when swimming and refrain from excessive splashing. That mimics the behavior of an injured fish, according to a tip sheet from the Florida Museum of Natural History. 

"Do not wander too far from shore, as being far from shore also isolates you from any emergency assistance. Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light may resemble the sheen of fish scales," the tip sheet advised.

Try to keep calm if a shark swims near you, according to tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"If a shark sees a human splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack," according to the administration. 

Don't provoke the shark, said Hofstra Biology Department Chair Peter Daniel.

"I wouldn't suggest trying to beat them up," he said. "Get yourself back to shore."

However, if the shark attacks, attack right back, targeting sensitive areas such as its eyes, gills and snout, according to the Florida museum.

Experts stress that shark attacks are rare.

"I think that, in general, people are pretty safe and should remain calm," Daniel said. "There's bigger danger of drowning due to a riptide. My major concern is getting hit by a Jet Ski or boat."

By Craig Schneider

craig.schneider@newsday.com@Scraigo

Craig Schneider is a Long Island native and Stony Brook University alumnus. He joined Newsday as a general assignment reporter in January 2018 after 20 years at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.