Spotters have seen in increase in white shark activity in Cape Town. Picture: Pexels.
Spotters warn of increased WHITE shark activity in Cape Town
After a period of quiet, spotters have seen an increase in white shark activity in Cape Town. Here’s how you can protect yourself.
Spotters have seen in increase in white shark activity in Cape Town. Picture: Pexels.
Spotters have released an advisory of increased white shark activity in Cape Town this festive season. The timing could not be worse for the thousands of holidaymakers flocking to the Western Cape for the December break.
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Shark Spotters is an award-winning, non-profit organisation that looks over many popular beaches in South Africa. And in December it’s seen an increase in white shark activity in Cape Town’s False Bay. To the point where it released this advisory.
WHITE SHARK ACTIVITY IN CAPE TOWN
After a long period of relative quiet, it would appear that white shark activity in Cape Town is on the increase. There are countless theories as to why white sharks may have left False Bay; seemingly relocated to the Eastern Cape around Plett. However, earlier this month, a Shark Spotters advisory told of multiple Great White Shark sightings in False Bay.
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This activity was spotted in Muizenberg, Kogel Bay, Smitswinkel Bay and Roman Rock lighthouse. Commenting on the heightened white shark activity in Cape Town Shark Spotters said: “At this stage it is unclear whether these are sporadic, one-off sightings. Or if this may signal the return of white sharks to False Bay in numbers.”
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“In either event, we would like to remind water users to exercise caution whenever they enter the ocean. And be aware that the increased white shark activity in Cape Town is more than we have experience in recent years,” concluded Shark Spotters.
At popular beaches over the festive season, like Muizenberg and Fishhoek, Shark Spotters are watching all day and will sound the shark alarm in the event of a sighting. Get out the water immediately if you hear the shark alarm. And familiarise yourself with the shark flags above.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SHARKS
For more experienced water users like surfers, water-skiers, divers, kite- and paddle-boarders, there’s a lot you can do to guard against a shark encounter. Do not swim or surf when birds, dolphins or seals are visibly feeding nearby. Human beings are rarely on the menu for sharks, but if you get in the way while they’re feeding you will be in danger. Sharks might also try feed from lines off fishing boats, so stay clear of these, too.
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Avoid swimming or surfing near steep drops-offs in the ocean or between sandbars. Sharks love to occupy these spaces. River mouths, estuaries and areas contaminated with sewage or effluent draw in sharks, too, so these are best avoided as a safeguard.
DON’T DRAW ATTENTION
Colourful wetsuits and surfboard designs can draw the attention of sharks. Rather opt for something plain when you enter the water. If you suspect you’ve spotted a shark, don’t panic. Simply turn and paddle away as smoothly and quickly as possible. It’s correct etiquette to warn anyone else around you in the ocean.
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Are you concerned about the increased white shark activity in Cape Town? And do you have any advice for avoiding a shark encounter? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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