Our Shark Diary - October 2007
Dear Ultimate Animal Lover,
Shark season is entering its low season for the Great White sharks in False Bay. We find that with the SE winds that pick up in September,the sharks move away from the Island inshore.
With the weather also warming up and more bathers,surfers and water sport users in the water, the shark spotters that sit on the mountain are now ready and are on the alert patrolling the beaches. Here is some helpful info when going to the beach and you see the various shark flags flying.
However, people must be aware that although the shark spotting programmes are considered very effective, they can never be 100% effective, and people must still use the sea at their own risk.
Considering the number of people who use the ocean on a daily basis, the actual number of attacks by Great White Sharks is extremely low. People are not the natural prey of the Great White Sharks. Cape Town has experienced 6 attacks in the last 5 yrs, and everyone entering the ocean must do so at their own discretion, knowing that they are entering a wild environment in which sharks naturally live.
We are entering their territory; they are not coming into ours.
Shark safety tips
If people exercise caution and are aware of their environment, the risk of attack can be lowered further. Here are some tips in reducing the risk of attack:
- Do not swim, surf or surf ski 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, surf ski at night.
- Do not swim near river mouths. Do not swim, surf or surf ski near where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place.
- Do not dive for rock lobster using live bait.
- If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no mountain watches are present, consider using another beach for the day.
- Obey beach officials if told to leave the water.
- Consider kayaking or surf skiing when far out to sea, in a group.
- Pay attention to shark signage on beaches.
We hope that you find this information helpful and you act responsibly in the water.
Until next month!
Best Fishes
Rob and Karen Lawrence
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