Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
The City of Cape Town would like to remind all beach and ocean users that we are again approaching the time of year when the presence of great white sharks in in-shore areas increases.
Typically, shark sightings start in late August, and continue through to April, with most sightings being reported in mid-summer. The City appeals to all beach and ocean users to be aware of the expected increase in in-shore shark activity over the summer months, and to familiarise themselves with the following safety tips:
- Use areas where Shark Spotters are on duty, and take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach;
- Read the shark spotting signs to inform yourself of 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;
- 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;
- Obey beach officials if told to leave the water;
- 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; and
- Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.
Kayakers and surf-skiiers are specifically asked to be cautious of the area between Sunnycove and Glencairn Beach, and swimmers are urged not to use the water off Jaegers Walk in Fish Hoek unless the exclusion net is deployed, as this is considered a high-risk area. The City has erected warning signs along Jaegers Walk to this effect.
Surfers are asked to be especially vigilant in the areas between Sunrise Beach and the Macassar Beach area during the Spring and Summer months, as research has shown that shark presence in these waters is extremely common at this time of year.
For more information on the latest shark sightings and research, please visit: www.sharkspotters.org.za .Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of white sharks to the Shark Spotting Programme through this website.