Scientists have long been working towards developing chemical shark repellents to prevent shark attacks, but this is the first I’ve heard of an electrical repellent. According to their website, Shark Shield creates around the wearer an electrical field that (only) sharks find unpleasant. More disturbing than body odor, the electrical field allegedly causes muscle spasms in sharks, preventing them from getting close enough to nibble.

There are several different models available, all of which only none of which work in fresh water. The “Scuba Unit” requires scuba divers to wear a full wetsuit, “due to the configuration of the two electrodes.” Two other units – specifically, the Freedom 2 and the Freedom 4, which differ only in how long the rechargeable batteries last – do not require wetsuits. The wearer simply trails a 6-foot-long antenna from his or her ankle that houses 2 electrodes, and this antenna (apparently) keeps sharks at least 10-15 feet away. The website warns against touching these electrodes, which would otherwise result in “extreme discomfort.” Uh...okay. Sounds great.

Naturally, the website also posts a bold, red warning guaranteeing, frankly, that there are no guarantees for the product. Depending on the model, prices run $469 to $540, which seems steep, but far less painful than, say, a shark bite.