As family and friends flood America’s coastlines during the holiday weekend, an expert is giving beachgoers practical tips to keep in mind as they head into waters with one of the most feared hunters in the ocean.

Dr. Robert Hueter, OCEARCH’s senior adviser for science and academics, told Fox News Digital that swimmers should be aware that they are swimming alongside sea life and are not in an enclosed pool or lake.

“The first thing to keep in mind is, don’t be afraid of the ocean,” he said. “The ocean is an absolutely wonderful, life-giving place. It’s important to everything we do on this planet. Go have fun at the ocean this weekend.”

“But remember, the ocean is not a swimming pool. It’s not even a lake,” Hueter said. “It’s a big, wild place full of life.”

“Stay in the ocean during the daytime or when there are other people there,” Hueter said. “Don’t go swimming from dusk to dawn.”

Hueter advised against swimming at dusk because sharks are “pretty active” during that time.

“Sharks are pretty active in those two periods because they kind of have an advantage over their prey,” he said. “But you’re also taking away some of their ability to determine that you’re not what they want.”

7. Have fun

Hueter reminded beachgoers to have fun over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and to implement safety advice.