If you see a killer whale out in the ocean and it swims near, can you swim with it or touch it?30/9/2012 Each country has its own laws and regulations which govern how you may interact with orca in the wild. In many countries and states, it is illegal to approach too closely to orca, either by boat and other watercraft or when swimming. If you do come across orca, many laws stipulate that you must keep outside of an exclusion zone (for example, in US waters you are not allowed to approach closer than 200 metres). This also applies for if you are swimming in the water and where able to do so, you must get out.
It is incredibly important that you research these laws for any given country or state because they will differ depending on where you are. By not being aware of regulations, you could put yourself and the orca into a dangerous situation and you will also be liable to receive any penalties set out by the country or state, (such as a hefty fine and/or jail sentence). In many countries, to be able to swim with orca you must have a special permit provided by the government. Orca are top ocean predators and the largest apex predator to roam the earth since the dinosaurs and so they should be treated respectfully.
10 Comments
Jonathan Bradley
7/3/2019 07:01:50 am
I honestly don't understand why swimming with Orca is illegal. Boats? Absolutely, the risk of injury to the animals not to mention the overwhelming noise boat motors make underwater means it is important to restrict vessels from approaching them. But swimming? Why not? The animals may be momentarily minorly distracted from their natural routine, but unless the swimmer/diver is actively disrupting them from their prey or purposely agitating them (which would be stupid and dangerous) why not allow people to swim with these magnificent creatures?
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Orca Aware Team
10/3/2019 05:52:09 pm
Dear Jonathan,
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charmaine fitzgerald
24/7/2020 01:36:39 pm
what happens if your swimming and the orca approaches you can you still be fined as it would'nt be your fault
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Xeno
31/10/2020 08:31:25 am
Since August 2020 there have been reported more than 30 attacks of sailing boats by orca whales. The orcas usually hit the rudder of the boat even if the boat using motor. I would like to know what is the right thing to do when you encounter these massive animals? Should you stop the boat or should you keep moving? Usually these attacks last about an hour.
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Alexandra
16/7/2021 05:18:01 pm
That honestly stupid !
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Joanne Bohannon
7/9/2021 07:22:19 am
There have been many incidents (I believe near Spain) in which Orcas are attacking boats. Some of these attacks last over 90 minutes. They have been ripping the rudders off the boats. Biting them, turning the boats 180 degrees. They definitely weren't playing. It is believed to be select pods of approximately 6 plus that have been attacking. Many orcas have been caught in fishing ships nets and hooks in the past. I read the article tonight.
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Connie
28/7/2021 02:48:21 am
If a person was swimming near an orca would the orca bother him
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Ron ron
2/2/2022 07:58:46 am
Swim with crocodiles if you feel orcas are safe
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Sage
27/12/2022 02:01:17 am
I don’t understand why the government feels the need to get involved in a person having an encounter with an orca. I don’t tell the government to not be so corrupt.
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