A Message from Plett Ocean Smart on Summer Readiness 

lifeguards on plett beaches
Published: November 18th, 2024
by Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG)

A Message from Plett Ocean Smart on Summer Readiness

Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG) and its team of dedicated stakeholders have been actively looking after the safety of beach-goers in Plettenberg Bay which is a notable achievement. We wish to acknowledge the contributions made by the dedicated members of PSAG and the hard-working, professional staff of the Bitou Municipality Beach Control, Plett NSRI, Bitou Lifeguards, Plett Shark Spotters and other key stakeholders.

We would also like to thank the many business leaders who have dedicated their time and expertise to the programme. The dedication to see this initiative succeed is immeasurable. Additionally, we would like to thank the private contributors and the community, for your committed interest.

Plettenberg Bay Gears Up for a Safe and Secure Summer Beach Season

With summer just around the corner, Plett is excited to welcome residents and visitors to its world-class beaches and waterways for a season of sun, surf, and safety. As one of the Garden Route’s beach destinations, the Bitou Municipality and PSAG have implemented safety and security measures to ensure a fun and worry-free experience for all.

This summer, stakeholders and community organisations are committed to bolster public safety efforts, ensuring that the town’s beaches, boardwalks, and public spaces remain safe and welcoming throughout the season.

Investment Conference at BI Resort - Aerial Photo of Plett
Aerial Photo of Plett

Enhanced Plett Ocean Smart Activities

  1. National Sea Rescue Institute Plettenberg Bay (NSRI): NSRI Plett has raised funds for new equipment to assist PSAG and key stakeholders with public warning of possible large shark activity. A dedicated camera that is permanently positioned on top of the Beacon Isle Resort is linked to the new Shark Alarm System, secured to the roof of the NSRI station at Central Beach. When the presence of a dangerous shark species has been detected, beach-goers on Central and Hobie beaches will be made aware of this with an alarm. Plans at the time of writing, also include the same Shark Alarm System for Robberg 5 and the Wreck beaches, and a beach safety camera system for Nature’s Valley.

    * Please reference the official NSRI Shark Alarm Poster for further instruction.
  2. Bitou Beach Control Lifeguard Services: Trained and certified lifeguards will be stationed at designated beach areas, equipped with the latest safety gear and communications technology. Lifeguards will monitor for water-related emergencies, from rescues to first-aid situations, as well as provide helpful beach safety tips to visitors of all ages.
    • Lifeguards are on duty from 01 November, 2024 to 30 April, 2025 as follows:
      • Central Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • Robberg 1 Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • Robberg 5 Beach (07h00 – 18h00)
      • Lookout Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
    • Lifeguards are on duty 01 December, 2024 to 31 January, 2025 as follows:
      • Dunes Beach Keurbooms (07h00 – 19h00)
      • Natures Valley Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • The Waves Beach Keurbooms(07h00 – 18h00)
      • Kettle Beach Keurbooms (07h00 – 19h00)
    • Lifeguards are on duty 12 December, 2024 to 14 January, 2025 as follows:
      • Wedge Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • Robberg 2 Beach (10h00 – 19h00)
      • Robberg Beach End (The Wreck) (10h00 – 18h00)
      • Solar Beach (Sanctuary Beach) (07h00 – 19h00)
  1. Plett Shark Spotters: Trained shark spotters are strategically positioned at designated beach areas along the coastline from high vantage points using advanced viewing equipment and communication systems. Their role is to monitor marine life activity and to raise the alarm when dangerous shark species have been detected to Municipal beach control in real-time, ensuring the safety of beachgoers.
    • The Plett Shark Spotters are on duty from 01 November, 2024 to 30th April, 2025 as follows:
      • Central Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • Robberg 1 Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • The Wreck Beach (10h00 – 18h00)
      • Lookout Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
      • The Wedge Beach (07h00 – 19h00)

        **Please note spotters may be on stand-by during periods of bad weather or poor visibility
  2. Plett Stranding Network: Due to the recent outbreak of rabies amongst seals along the Western Cape shoreline, the public are requested to report any seal activity and/or stranded seals using the official hotline: +27 (0)72 317 2280.

    ***All dogs are requested to be on a leash on all Bitou beaches until further notice.

Plett Tourism Message

“We are committed to making this summer safe, secure, and enjoyable for everyone in Plettenberg Bay,” says Patty Butterworth, CEO Plett Tourism. “Our town is proud to be a destination for people seeking relaxation and fun, and our dedicated teams are working around the clock to ensure a worry-free experience for all our visitors.”

Plettenberg Bay and the Bitou region invite everyone to enjoy a memorable summer while following safety guidelines to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

Anyone wishing to donate to Plett Ocean Smart initiatives to make our beaches and waters safer can do so by mailing their contact information and correspondence to PSAG on email address
plettoceansmart@gmail.com.

**** Conservation and preservation of our greatest assets; the ocean, waterways, forests, landmarks and wildlife in Plettenberg Bay, makes an ecologically and economically significant contribution to the town. Sharks, whales, dolphins and other marine life visit throughout the year – more often during the winter months between May and October. We encourage our residents and visitors to be aware of ocean safety at all times and be respectful of our safety tools and respective to the wildlife that also visit our shores.