Shark Sightings

Shark Spotters are positioned at strategic points along the Cape Peninsula, primarily in False Bay coastline. A spotter is placed on the mountain with polarised sunglasses and binoculars. This spotter is in radio contact with another spotter on the beach. If a shark is seen the beach spotter sounds a siren and raises a specific colour coded flag (diagram). When the siren sounds the water users are requested to leave the water and only return when the appropriate all clear signal is given.

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BEACH TIMES SPOTTERS ARE ON DUTY


Muizenberg Every day, All year. 08h00 – 18h00*
St James Every day, All year. 08h00 – 18h00*
Fish Hoek Every day, All year. 08h00 – 18h00**
Noordhoek Every day, All year. 08h00 – 18h00*
Clovelly Weekend, Holidays (Oct – Apr). 08h00 – 16h00
Glencairn Weekend, Holidays (Oct – Apr). 08h00 – 18h00

* During summer time extended to 19h00
** During summer time extended to 18h45

Over the summer holidays Shark Spotting will also be present at Mnandi, Blue Waters, Monwabisi and Strandfontein.

 

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 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 bathers should leave the water immediately

No flag means shark spotters are not on duty

 

Shark Bite Response Unit

Shark Spotters has a network of partners: NSRI, City disaster management etc

In the event of a shark bite trained personnel will visit the site to collect information on sea conditions, shark behaviour, collect victim where possible and eyewitness statements. Research boat will be launched where appropriate.

 

 

Map

Flags