‘They’re not like puppy dogs. They should be respected’: how to swim with sharks in British waters

Diving with marine life such as blue sharks is growing in popularity in the UK, spurred by footage of encounters on social media

We have only been waiting in the grey Atlantic swell a few moments when the first flash of metallic blue appears in the water. A blue shark, a few miles from the coast of Penzance in Cornwall, emerges from the depths. It is time to get in the water - but part of my brain rebels.

It's not what you think it will be like ... not that ingrained fear that everyone has about sharks. But until you get in the water with them, that fear will remain," the guide says to the group.