Plett Ocean Smart launches a dedicated shark patrol jet ski and the shark spotter team increases awareness for season
Plett Ocean Smart has launched a dedicated patrol jetski to assist the Plett Shark Spotters. The jetski has been partly sponsored by Offshore Adventures and will be operating under the Ocean Outfitters Marine Conservation Trust.
Plett Yamaha supplied the jetski and performed a full service of the craft and Plett Tractor Services continues to assist with the daily launching and retrieving of the craft. We would also like to recognise the Plett Rage Event owners as they made a generous contribution to the running costs for the holidays.
The jetski is operated by a trained member from the Bitou Municipality and will patrol the coastline between Robberg 1 Beach (at the Beacon Isle) and the Wreck Beach (at Robberg Nature peninsula) until 15th January, 2023.
The jetski will also be operational over the Easter holidays when Plett’s most popular beaches are frequented and on an as-needed basis.
In addition to the launch of the dedicated jetski, NSRI has installed a camera on top of the Beacon Isle Hotel and this is linked to a 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 via control centre/ lifeguard or shark spotter, beach-goers on Central Beach will be made aware of this with the red flashing light as well as a high-pitched alarm. Beach-goers will then be asked to exit the water without hesitation.
When the light flashes green, this indicates that there is a spotter on duty and conditions are good. When it flashes yellow, it indicates that spotters are on duty but water conditions are poor. No light means no spotters on duty and beach-goers are asked to swim with extreme caution.
The Plett Shark Spotters are on duty from 1st December to 30th April 2022 as follows:
- Central Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
- Robberg 1 Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
- The Wreck Beach (10h00 – 18h00)
- Lookout Beach (07h00 – 19h00)
Please note spotters may be on stand-by during times of poor visibility
Plett Ocean Smart pamphlets will be distributed at high-volume beach locations during the season. Please stay informed and join the Plett Shark Spotters Facebook and instagram page to keep up-to-date with any shark activity.
Finally, we would like to thank you, the private contributors and the community, for your committed interest and we encourage you to continue to send us your invaluable feedback and ideas for further improvement of the Plett Ocean Smart campaign.
Anyone wishing to donate to this initiative to make our beaches and waters safer can do so by mailing their contact information to 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.