City responds to shark attack
2006-08-15 17:35
Cape Town - The City of Cape Town will take new safety precautions after a shark attack on a 24-year-old lifeguard, said a city councillor on Tuesday.
Councillor Marian Niewoudt, mayoral committee member for planning and environment, said the city had been working with marine coastal management and other specialists since May on measures to reduce shark attacks.
"This has resulted in a draft white shark and coastal recreation safety strategy, which will be tabled for approval by the planning and environment portfolio committee, early in September."
Niewoudt said it was important to reassure the public that proper action was being taken to reduce shark attacks.
Meanwhile a shark-spotting programme at Fish Hoek and Muizenberg beaches has been an effective way of warning bathers of sharks, and closing beaches when required.
Cage diving
Gregg Oelofse, spokesperson for Cape Town's environmental resource management, said the public was under the impression that white shark attacks were due to cage diving.
He said there was no evidence to link cage diving with attacks.
The city has, however, proposed that no additional cage diving permits for False Bay be issued.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has recommended that emergency kits be accessible at all coastal recreational spots and that officials be trained in the use of these kits.
Niewoudt said: "The city together with the NSRI and SA Lifesaving will hold regular simulation exercises."
- SAPA