Following close assessment by shark spotters late on Wednesday afternoon, all City beaches were opened for swimming on Thursday morning.
The beaches from Glencairn to Strandfontein Pavilion were closed on Tuesday following a fatal shark attack at Fish Hoek beach.
Although the beaches have been declared safe, both shark spotting and lifesaving services will continue, with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the City’s Disaster Risk Management and Law Enforcement staff remaining on the alert.
However, this is a season during which increased numbers of shark sightings are reported and the City appeals to the public to:
- Be aware that Cape Town’s coastal waters are frequently visited by sharks of all species
- Preferably use beaches with lifesaving services
- Use beaches monitored by shark spotters in the section of the coast which includes beaches from Glencairn to Muizenberg, and Noordhoek Beach
- Swim in groups
- Remain visible to other people, such as family and friends, when swimming
- Swim within demarcated swimming areas, i.e. between lifeguard flags
- Remain on the landward side of breakers, and in waist-deep water
- Keep out of the water when marine mammals such as dolphins and whales have been observed within close proximity of the beach
- Keep out of the water when fishermen with trawl nets are operating on the beach
- Keep out of the water where marine mammal carcasses have washed out on to the beach
- Heed and obey instructions issued by lifeguards, beach managers, Law Enforcement and the NSRI
- Familiarise themselves with safety measures applicable to their beach of choice
The City will be disseminating further beach safety tips at its beaches and through the media.
“The City will continue to improve safety standards on our beaches, but we appeal to the public for their co-operation”, says Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Cllr. Gerhard Ras.
Martin Pollack
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