Cape Town - Most Capetonians were celebrating the onset of spring on Tuesday after months of winter, but the City of Cape Town has issued a warning to residents to be wary of increased shark activity at this time of the year.
The city said the presence of great white sharks in in-shore areas increased at this time of year.
The city’s mayoral committee member for energy, environmental and spatial planning, councillor Johan van der Merwe said “surfers are asked to be especially vigilant in the stretch between Sunrise and Macassar Beaches during the spring and summer months, as research has shown that the shark presence in these waters increases at this time of year”.
He warned swimmers to remain alert and thanked the city staff and their partner, the Shark Spotters, for all their hard work ensuring residents could enjoy safe beach experiences.
The Shark Spotters Information Centre at Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner was open to the public from 8am-6pm seven days a week.
The centre provided up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and emergencies and storage of valuables and lost property.
Van der Merwe added that the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net would be deployed for the annual Fish Hoek Spring Splash on September 6.
He said: “The exclusion net has proven to be an effective shark safety measure, by creating a physical barrier that prevents sharks from entering the bathing area. It will be in full operation during the 2015/2016 summer season.”
On days that the exclusion net was deployed, the operating hours would be from 9am-5pm and may occasionally be extended to allow for lifesaving training or events.
The city said the Shark Spotters would keep beach users informed about the deployment of the net via Twitter and Facebook, and signage would be displayed when the net was deployed.
Capetonians can get the latest information on shark sightings and research at www.sharkspotters.org.za or follow the Shark Spotters on Twitter (@SharkSpotters) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/SharkSpotters).
The city also urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the following general shark safety tips:
* Use beaches where Shark Spotters are on duty
* Take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
* Use the Shark Spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren
* Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
* Do not swim, surf or surf-ski where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place
* Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers
* Do not swim if you are bleeding
* Do not swim near river mouths
* Do not swim, surf or surf-ski at night
* Do not swim, surf or surf-ski if there has been a whale stranding nearby
* Obey beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if told to leave the water
* Be aware that the rate of encounters with white sharks rises significantly when the water temperature is warmer (18ºC or higher), and during new moon, due to increased opportunities for feeding
* If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no Shark Spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day
* First-time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, lifeguards or locals about the area
* For those people kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea: please consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation)
* Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
* Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches
Shark Spotters were present at the following beaches:
Muizenberg corner
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
St James/Kalk Bay
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Fish Hoek
Mon - Sun, 07:00 - 18:45
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Caves, Kogel Bay
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 17:00
Noordhoek (The Hoek)
Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
Clovelly
Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 10:00 - 17:00
Glencairn
Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
Monwabisi
Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
The city said the Fish Hoek exclusion net would be in operation during the 2015/2016 summer season according to the following schedule:
October 2015
School holidays and weekends
November 2015 - March 2016
The net will operate on a daily basis, depending on the weather. Weekends, public holidays and school holidays will be prioritised.
April 2016
School holidays, public holidays and weekends
The exclusion net would not be deployed if weather conditions (wind and swell) were deemed to be unsuitable; this would be assessed on a daily basis.
If weather conditions deteriorated over the course of a day when the net was already deployed, the net may be removed as a precautionary measure. Additionally, if there was a high presence of whales or other marine mammals in the area, the net would not be deployed.
ANA