Bathtubs Are Scarier Than Sharks

The simple reason most science reporting is wrong

There’s something about swimming in the ocean that awakens a fear deep inside us. As we paddle through the darkening depths, it’s impossible not to glance down into the deep blue and wonder, “Is a shark going to eat me?”

It’s an understandable fear. Sharks are some of the most terrifying apex predators around. I live in Sydney, Australia, a city known for its amazing opera house, beautiful bridge, and, occasionally, for being invaded by great whites.

They are bloody scary.

So it might surprise you to hear that there is something that, as a scientist, I find far more frightening than a shark. It has fewer teeth, no tiny inhuman eyes, and is rarely found stalking prey through the massive expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

I am talking, of course, about bathtubs.

Just remember, it’s more afraid of you than you are of it.

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