The City of Cape Town, in conjunction with the Shark Spotters Programme, has designed three new signs to improve shark safety on Cape Town's beaches. These signs seek to increase awareness about the presence of sharks (Great White sharks in particular), and to guide beach users on the workings of Shark Spotting Programme.
"Significant improvements have been made to the shark warning system used by the shark spotters, and the City urges the public to familiarise themselves with this system," said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Brett Herron.
The new signage can be found on beaches monitored by shark spotters, where the flag warning system is utilised, namely: Noordhoek Corner (the 'Hoek'), Glencairn, Fish Hoek, Clovelly, St. James, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. The signage is designed to be highly visible and has been strategically placed to ensure that it is accessible to all beach users.
The following changes have been made to the shark warning system:
The City appeals to the public to please locate and familiarise themselves with the new signs on the beach and the Shark Spotting Programme. Beach-based shark spotters are also available to answer any questions related to shark safety, and informational brochures can be obtained from them or the Save Our Seas Shark Centre in Kalk Bay. For recent shark activity and more information please visit www.sharkspotters.org.za
The public should continue to apply caution at the beach. Swimmers must immediately leave the water when warnings are sounded and not return to it until the shark spotters have given the all-clear.
In addition, the public are encouraged to:
Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town
Sakhile Tsotsobe
Coastal Coordinator
Sport, Recreation and Amenities
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 4638
Cell: 072 626 3669
Sarah Titley
Shark Spotters Programme
Cell: 078 174 4244