YARMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the recent increase in shark sightings off Cape Cod, more and more towns on the outer- and mid-Cape are taking precautions to remind swimmers about the risks of going in the water.
There are now a dozen neon-yellow shark safety signs posted in Yarmouth. Shark sightings are rare there, but the town isn't taking any chances.
The town's Natural Resources Director Karl von Hone told WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe it's a precautionary measure.
"We're putting these signs out at all of our major public beaches to educate the public," he said. "We feel an educated public is a safer public."
The signs remind people about the presence of sharks in local waters, and provide safety tips for swimmers, according to Yarmouth Natural Resources Field Supervisor Bill Binetti.
"Don't swim alone, don't swim at night," he said. "If you should see seals or schools of fish, absolutely avoid swimming in those areas, because those are likely food sources for sharks."
The signs also advise people not to wear shiny jewelry in the water, which could reflect in the water and attract the sharks—and not to swim if you are bleeding.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports