Shark Spotters Warning Flags

The ‘Shark Spotting Programme’ is the only program of its kind in the world and is unique to the Western Cape, in particular the Cape Town and surrounding popular beach areas. Shark spotters actively monitors the seas at numerous popular beaches and uses a flag warning system to communicate sightings to the public. Swimmers should always use beaches where shark spotters are on duty. While sharks are present in the waters of the Western Cape all year round, summertime usually yields a seasonal increase of the inshore presence of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias).

Flag Warning System

If you are a regular at the beach, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the shark spotting signs. The four flag warnings are detailed as follows:

GREEN FLAG

A green flag means that the spotting conditions are good and no sharks have been seen.

BLACK FLAG

A black flag means that the spotting conditions are poor, but no sharks have been seen.

RED FLAG

A red flag indicates a Shark Alert. This flag will be flown during periods of increased shark activity, after a shark has recently been spotted in the area and the beach cleared, or when conditions are conducive to high shark activity.

WHITE FLAG

A white flag with a black shark diagram means that a shark is currently near the beach, and beach users must get out of the water. A siren is sounded and the white flag is raised.

Shark safety tips

If people exercise caution and are aware of their environment, the risk of attack can be lowered. To reduce 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 or surf ski near areas where trek netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place.
Do not swim, surf or surf ski at night.
If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no shark spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.
First time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, life guards or locals about the area.
Obey beach officials if told to leave the water.
For those people kayaking or surf skiing far out to the sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation).
Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking.
Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.

About the ‘Shark Spotting Programme’

The Shark Spotting Programme is the only program of its kind in the world and is unique to the Western Cape, in particular the Cape Town and surrounding popular beach areas. The programme attempts to balance the needs of both people and white shark conservation by pro-actively reducing the interaction and conflict between recreational water users and sharks. Cape Town has, over the last few years, experienced an increase in the number of great white sharks sighted in the in-shore zone. In response to these events and the increased fear by water users, particularly in False Bay, two community driven programmes were started out of a need to improve the safety of recreational water users. The amalgamation of these two initiatives resulted in the ‘Shark Spotters programme’.

–> Shark Spotters Phone nr: 078 174 4244

–> For a list of the most recent shark sightings visit their website here: http://sharkspotters.org.za/recent-sightings

Shark Spotters Warning Flags

Flag Warning System

GREEN FLAG

BLACK FLAG

RED FLAG

WHITE FLAG

Shark safety tips

About the ‘Shark Spotting Programme’

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