With the arrival of summer and the holiday season, there have already been four confirmed reports of great white sharks in False Bay in the last week.
Also read: Shark Spotters keep local beaches safe
The Shark Advisory took to social media to caution water users and advise them to follow simple safety tips to reduce the risk of encountering a shark.
‘The Shark Spotters at Muizenberg sighted a white shark on Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th November. On Saturday 2 December, spear fishermen at Smitswinkel Bay reported seeing a white shark and another white shark sighting was recorded off Roman Rock lighthouse by an experienced water user on the same day.’
‘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 more numbers. In either event, we would like to remind water users to exercise caution whenever they enter the ocean and be aware that there may be more white shark activity in the bay than we have experienced in recent years.’
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Shark Spotters CEO Sarah Waries told IOL earlier this week that the presence of apex predators was critical to the health of the False Bay coast line.
She stated that in 2015, they saw about 250 sharks per year, but that number dropped in 2017.
The Shark Advisory advised the public not to swim, surf, or surf-ski in areas where birds, dolphins, or seals were feeding, and to obey beach rules if told to leave the water.
Those kayaking or surf-skiing far out at sea should consider paddling in groups and staying close together, as well as paying attention to any shark signage on beaches.
Swim, surf, or surf-ski near trek-netting, fishing, or spear fishing, or swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
If you are bleeding, avoid swimming, surfing, or surf-skiing at night.
If you see a white shark, please contact the emergency services and report it to Shark Spotters at https://sharkspotters.org.za/home/report-a-sighting/.
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Also read:
Shark Spotters urges public to remain cautious amid increased sightings
Picture: Facebook/ Shark Spotters/Sean Geer