Paul de Gelder, a former elite Navy diver and real-life shark attack survivor, returns to the deep waters for another season of Shark Week. Known for his daring exploits and survival tips, de Gelder remains one of the most vocal advocates for shark conservation despite his past encounters with these apex predators.
“Look, I’ve come so close to death that I’ve realized death isn’t actually scary,” de Gelder shared in an interview on “Live In The D.” Instead, he focuses on living life to the fullest, advocating for the protection of sharks and educating the public on safely coexisting with them.
De Gelder’s approach to Shark Week is not just about the thrill; it’s also about dispelling fear through knowledge. “The old adage goes, knowledge dispels fear,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of understanding these misunderstood creatures.
His mission: to turn a week dedicated to sharks into a celebration that mixes adventure with education, leaving viewers both thrilled and informed. Shark Week continues to captivate audiences, airing new episodes nightly on Discovery at 8 p.m.