This could revolutionise swimming for a whole host of people:

A 100-metre (328 feet) cable with vertical “risers” designed to emit a low-frequency electronic field…

What will this contraption do?

Turns out (it took a bit of research) that sharks have a special gel in their nose that allows them to detect any electrical currents, so this should, hypothetically, work like a dream. Because the shark’s nose is so sensitive to electric current, they should keep their distance.

The electric current won’t harm other sea life, and should a human touch it, only a slight “tingling sensation” would be felt.

This will be a great step up in protecting sharks from humans humans from sharks.

“If successful, it will provide the basis to develop a barrier system that can protect bathers without killing or harming sharks or any other marine animals.”

Obviously the challenges are huge: using electricity in water, for a start. Then there are the moving sea beds, strong waves and currents and marine life.

At the moment it’s being tested off Glencairn beach in Cape Town, for 5 months.

Check out TimesLive