Personal mitigation aims to stop a shark from biting if the shark is already near a human. Personal deterrents/repellants generally work within approximately a 0.5-3 meter radius around the user.  Personal mitigation comes in various forms: electric, magnetic, olfactory (smell-based) and visual deterrents. This type of mitigation is usually implemented by an individual, rather than by councils or governments. Some governments (e.g., Western Australia) subsidise deterrents that have been scientifically tested and show effectiveness.

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Personal electric deterrents generally show the greatest level of effectiveness of all mitigation measures that can be reliably tested. Keep in mind that while some electric deterrents show effectiveness at reducing shark bite risk, others have shown no effect on shark behaviour at all. It is important to read the literature on a product before purchasing.