The very mention of the word "shark" engenders dread in thevast majority of humans.

After all, we've all seen Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3 (how many is it now?) and we know what those nasty creatures can do. And how clever they are.

And every year, just about the time you are starting to think that it's safe to go back in the water, one or more of our more sensationalist papers trots out some expert or other to warn that "this year will be one of the most dangerous on record for shark attacks . . ."

Yet most of our fear of sharks is completely without foundation.

As regular readers of SILICON CHIP may know, on my days off for good behaviour I am involved in Surf Lifesaving on Sydney's Northern Beaches. This includes training and examining new recruits.

One of the first and most-raised topics is about sharks. It's not just the kids - all ages are petrified!