So you’ve been working on your summer body all winter, just like the saying suggests, and now you’re ready to frolic in the surf.

Cool, but then the Yellowtail roll into town – and we all know what follow those shoals.

The City of Cape Town has issued a strongly worded statement after large shoals were spotted in False Bay over the weekend, reminding beachgoers to pay attention.

Some of that statement below via eNCA:

“Shark sightings typically start in late August, and continue through to April, with most sightings being reported mid-summer. With the school holidays around the corner and warmer days ahead, I want to urge Capetonians and visitors to please take extra care when going into the ocean. Shark spotters and the Fish Hoek exclusion net are important safety measures, but the best precaution is to be alert and aware when in the water,” the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Brett Herron said…

“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…

Herron also advised to 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; [and] do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.”

I generally steer well clear of those spear-fishing, but thanks for the reminder. As for you kayakers and deep-sea paddlers:

According to Herron, these dangerous encounters rises when the water temperature is 18ºC or higher and also during the new moon. He said those visiting beaches for the first time should ask lifeguards 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 and pay attention to any shark signage on beaches, the City said.

What is a personal shark shield? Does paddling out with someone weaker and slower than myself count? Is the diamond formation inspired by The Mighty Ducks? Should I take a leaf out of this British doctor’s book and just punch the shark in the face (HERE)?

So many questions.

Anyone remember that longboarder snapped swimming with sharks off Strandfontein?

Let’s just be glad we have peeps like Shark Spotters looking out for us, with their information centre at Muizenberg Surfers Corner open from 8AM to 6PM seven days a week.

You can pop past for info on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and help with emergencies, and storage of valuables and lost property, and of course there’s an app for that too:

“Residents and visitors are urged 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,” the City said.

Beachgoers will be notified via Twitter, Facebook, and the Shark Spotter mobile app when the net is being deployed.

There you go, now you have an excuse for taking your phone out on your board.

Be safe out there, friends.

[source:enca]