Shark Spotters

Communities in False Bay responded to the increase of sharks observed over the last few years by initiating the shark spotting programme to reduce the interaction of recreational water users and sharks.

Shark spotting started very informally at Muizenberg Corner where organizers of surfing competitions asked individuals working as car guards to look for sharks from the beach. In October 2004, after seeing that council and communities were dragging their heals, Greg Bertish, a surfer and the owner of True Blue Surf and Adventure Travel, decided to formalise and set up a formal Sharkspoting system. Using personal Funds and railing friends and surfers together, he started fund raising. Greg employed and worked with RASTA Davids, the original Carguard/ spotter and Monwabisi Sikiya ( a Lifeguard).One was to be stationed on the beach on a tower ( beach watch), while the other was stationed high on the mountain above the beach. ( mountain watch) With Sponsorship from PUMA SA; and REEF WETSUITS, Greg bought and installed a SHARK ALARM that could be triggered by remote from the mountain , and introduced and installed the FLAGPOLE signaling system. With Funding and help from TRUE BLUE TRAVEL as well as Dave and Fiona Chudleigh ( SURF SHACK) and from other locals and shops, he then setup: a base station at SURF SHACK; bought Radios; sent Fiona and Rasta on a first aid course; organised medical supplies, sunglasses, binocs, and implemented the first formal sharkspotting setup in the Country.

At the same time Spotters for the trek net fisherman at Fish Hoek would inform the local Law Enforcement officers on the beach of any shark sightings. This community initiatives grew and became more formalized , following in the footsteps of the Muizenberg system, set up by Greg Bertish.

The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department became involved in the spotting programmes, collecting and collating data recorded by the spotters and assisting with the development of safety protocols. In November 2005 the City provided R400 000 to the two existing programmes and to expand the programme to other beaches. During the holidays in January 2006 lifeguards from Monwabisi, Mnandi, Blue Waters, Strandfontein and Sunrise performed the additional function of shark spotters.

At the same time two non-governmental organizations became involved in the programme. AfriOceans Conservation Alliance provided shark warning and information sign boards for Cape Town’s beaches; and WWF through the Table Mountain Fund provided funding to employ a full time Shark Spotting Programme Co-ordinator.

Objectives

	The objectives of the Shark Spotting Programme are broadly defined as:

	Contribute to the rational and considered decision making in the management of interactions between White Sharks and bathers in False Bay and TMNP MPA
	Providing an efficient shark warning & safety system at appropriate beaches
	Data collection of shark sightings and beach closures
	Provision of data to researchers
	Public education & awareness and accurate and fair publicity
	Employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged youth
	Skills development and training for shark spotters
	Provision of emergency treatment in the event of a shark attack
	Fostering and establishment of partnerships with a range of organisations and individuals
	Conservation and protection of marine resources

Shark Spotting – How does it work?

	Where there are shark spotting programmes in place, please be aware of the following:

	A Green Flag means visibility for the spotters is good and no sharks have been seen.
	A Black Flag means visibility for the spotters is poor, but no sharks have been seen.
	A Red Flag means that a shark has been seen recently, but is no longer visible to the spotters.
	A White Flag with a Black Shark, along with a loud siren, means a shark has been sighted and you should leave the water calmly, but immediately.
	No Flag means that spotters are not on duty.

	People must be aware that although the shark spotting programmes are considered very effective they can never be considered 100% effective and people using the sea still do so at their own risk.

	Emergency number: 021 449 3500

Safety tips to reduce risk of shark bite:


	Do not swim, surf or surfski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
	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 surfski where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place
	Do not dive for lobster using a bait bag
	Do not swim, surf, surfski at night
	If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no mountain spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day
	For first time visitors to beach areas, ask the local law enforcement official, life guards or locals about the area.
	Obey beach officials if told to leave the water
	For those people kayaking or surfskiing far out to sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond shape).
	Pay attention to signage on beaches













	Click to view Shark Board