At 09:24:24 PST on 05-18-99, Dawn wrote:

>Not to be overly paranoid, but we recently saw a documentary about sharks and baracuda in the Bahamas. They seemed to be right off the beach in shallow water. Is an encounter likely? Are there certain areas we should avoid for swimming/snorkeling? We are vacationing in July on Nassau (Cable Beach).

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. It is true that both barracuda and sharks travel in shallow water, they will not bother you. The only time when you may have to be somewhat cautious is if you are spearing fish. A shark or barracuda may become interested in the fish you spear.