Cape Town: Spring and Summer Months = Shark Time!

The City of Cape Town would like to remind beachgoers to adhere to the warnings that will be issued by the shark spotters on duty at eight beaches in Cape Town to ensure that everyone has a safe, enjoyable beach experience. The Shark Spotters will be on duty from 12 December 2018 to 07 January 2019 at the following beaches:

• Muizenberg
• St James/Kalk Bay
• Caves in Kogel Bay
• Glencairn
• Clovelly
• Monwabisi 
• Fish Hoek
• The Hoek in Noordhoek
  

The shark exclusion net is already being deployed at Fish Hoek beach from 09:00 to 17:00 on a daily basis (weather permitting) as the presence of sharks along the False Bay coastline is more prevalent during warmer months.

The Shark Spotters Information Centre at Surfers Corner in Muizenberg is open to the public from 08:00 until 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 help with emergencies, and storage of valuables and lost property.
 
The shark spotters operating times will be as follows:

• Muizenberg
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• St James/Kalk Bay
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Fish Hoek
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 07:00 - 18:45
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Caves, Kogel Bay
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 17:00
• Nordhoek (The Hoek)
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Clovelly
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 17:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Glencairn
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Monwabisi
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
  

The City of Cape Town encourages the public to familiarise themselves with the following safety tips:

• Use beaches where shark spotters are on duty
• Take the time to speak to the shark spotters on the day you visit the beach
• Use the shark spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren – the green flag indicates that spotting conditions are good; the red flag indicates that there is a high risk of in-shore shark activity; the black flag means spotting conditions are poor; and the white flag with the black shark indicates a shark has been spotted (a siren will sound and all should leave the water immediately)
• Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
• Do not swim, surf or surf-ski where trek-netting, fishing or spear-fishing is taking place
• 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 surf-ski at night
• Do not swim, surf or surf-ski if there has been a whale stranding nearby
• Obey beach officials, lifeguards and shark spotters if told to leave the water
• Be 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
• If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no shark spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day
• First-time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, lifeguard or locals about the area
• For those people kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea, please consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation)
• Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
• Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches
  

The City of Cape Town also encourages visitors and residents of Cape Town to download the Shark Spotters mobile app to access the latest shark safety information, including what flag is flying at each beach, the latest shark sightings, net deployments, and much more. The app is available free of charge for Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded by searching for "Shark Spotters" on the app store.