Increased shark activity expected

Published 29th August 2016

All beach and ocean users are reminded that the presence of great white sharks in in-shore areas increases at this time of the year. Read more below:

The City of Cape Town 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. We are also asking surfers to be especially vigilant in the areas between Sunrise and Macassar Beach as research has shown that the presence of sharks is extremely common at this time of year.

‘Together with our partner, the Shark Spotters, we will do everything in our power to enhance the safety of beach goers and ocean users over this period. We also urge members of the public to play their part, to be proactive, and to act as their own “safety officers” first,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe.The Shark Spotters Information Centre, which is situated at Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner, is open to members of 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.

Shark Spotters will also be present at the following other beaches:

Beach	Summer (October 2016 to April 2017)
St James/Kalk Bay	Monday – Sunday, 08:00 – 18:00
Fish Hoek	Monday – Sunday, 07:00 – 18:45
Caves, Kogel Bay	Monday – Sunday, 08:00 – 18:00
Noordhoek (The Hoek)	Monday – Sunday, 08:00 – 18:00 (September to May)
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

General shark safety tips include:

only using beaches where Shark Spotters are on duty
taking the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
using the Shark Spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing where trek-netting, fishing or spear-fishing is taking place
not swimming in deep water beyond the breakers
not swimming if you are bleeding
not swimming near river mouths
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing at night
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing if there has been a whale stranding nearby
obeying beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if told to leave the water
being 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
considering using another beach if a shark has recently been sighted in a particular area where no Shark Spotters are present
asking the local law enforcement official, lifeguards or locals about the area if you are a first-time user
paddling in groups, and staying close together (in a diamond formation) for those who are kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea
considering the use of a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
paying attention to any shark signage on beaches

In addition, the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will be in operation from October 2016 to April 2017. The net will be deployed for the annual Fish Hoek Spring Splash on 4 September 2016.

The Shark Spotters will keep beach users informed via Twitter and Facebook as to whether the net is deployed.

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

Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of white sharks to the Shark Spotters.