Increased shark activity with the arrival of spring

Shark WarningThe City appeals to all beach and ocean users to be aware of the expected increase in in-shore shark activity over the spring and summer months. Typically, shark sightings start in late August, and continue through to April, with most sightings being reported in mid-summer.

‘White sharks are present in our waters all year round and beach users should be aware that there is always a small possibility of encountering one of these animals. However, 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.

‘Please always remain alert while enjoying the ocean. I thank our City staff and our partner, the Shark Spotters, for all of the hard work that is currently underway to ensure that our residents can enjoy a safer beach experience,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe.

The Shark Spotters Information Centre at Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner is open to the public from 08:00 to 18:00 seven days a week. The centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and emergencies, storage of valuables and lost property.

In addition, the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will again be deployed for the annual Fish Hoek Spring Splash on 6 September 2015.

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 is deployed, the operating hours will be from 09:00 to17:00 and may occasionally be extended to allow for lifesaving training or events. The Shark Spotters will keep beach users informed about the deployment of the net via Twitter and Facebook, and signage is displayed when the net is deployed.

For more information on the latest shark sightings and research, please visit www.sharkspotters.org.za or follow the Shark Spotters on Twitter (@SharkSpotters) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/SharkSpotters).

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Dogs to be reined in on these 14 Cape beaches

Cape Town, renowned as a sun-worshiping hotspot, has become a hotbed of conflict between beachgoers who want a dog-friendly beach environment and those who complain about the negative impact of dogs on the city’s beaches.

The areas under consideration are detailed as follows:

Kommetjie – proposed change at Long Beach, Kommetjie from free-running to no dogs

Soetwater – status quo, no dogs allowed

Witsand – status quo, dogs free-running

Misty Cliffs – minor change – Dogs on leash before 09:00 and after 18:00

Millers Point – status quo, no dogs allowed

Fisherman’s Beach – proposed change to no dogs

Frank’s Beach – proposed change to no dogs

Windmill Beach – proposed change from free-running to dogs on a leash

Burghers’ Walk – status quo, dogs on a leash

Water’s Edge Beach – proposed no dogs allowed

Seaforth Beach – proposed no dogs allowed

Long Beach, Simon’s Town – status quo, dogs free-running

Mackerel Beach – status quo, dogs free-running

Shelley’s Beach and tidal pool – status quo, no dogs allowed

Glencairn Beach and tidal pool – proposed change to no dogs allowed

Fish Hoek Beach – status quo of no dogs in the corner on the Jaggers Walk end of the beach, proposed dogs on a leash from the lighthouse to the start of Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach – proposed change from a free-running area for dogs to time restrictions for free-running dogs – Dogs on leash between 09:00 and 18:00

Wooly’s Pool – status quo, no dogs allowed

Kalk Bay Tidal Pools – status quo, no dogs allowed

Dalebrook Beach and tidal pool – proposed no dogs allowed

Danger Beach – proposed change from free-running area for dogs to dogs on a leash

St James Beach and tidal pool – status quo, no dogs allowed

Muizenberg Beach including Surfer’s Corner – status quo – Dogs on a leash December – March before 09:00 and after 18:00. Dogs on a leash April – November

Sunrise Beach – status quo

Sonwabe Beach – proposed dogs on a leash with horses at all times

Strandfontein Beach – status quo, no dogs allowed

Nine Miles Beach – proposed dogs on a leash with horses at all times

Blue Waters Resort – status quo, no dogs allowed

Beyond Blue Waters Resort – Dogs free-running at all times

Beachgoers have until 30 April to add their input by contacting Helen Jordaan, Professional Officer: Beach Amenities Coordination Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department City of Cape Town

Helen.jordaan@capetown.gov.za
Tel:       021 400 1691
Fax:      021 425 4705