Shark Spotters Traditional Cache
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I placed this cache to provide some more information about the Shark Spotters and the marvelous job they do to keep the Cape Peninsula waters safer for our enjoyment. At the bottom of this listing is some info on how you can complete the cache as a pleasant circular walk!
How Shark Spotters Works:
Sharks Spotters are positioned at strategic points along the Cape Peninsula, primarily along the False Bay coastline. A spotter is placed on the mountain with polarised sunglasses and binoculars. This spotter is in radio contact with another spotter on the beach. If a shark is seen the beach spotter sounds a siren and raises a white flag with a black shark. When the siren sounds the water users are requested to leave the water and only return when the appropriate all clear signal is given.
Great White Sharks:
Great White Sharks are apex predators and are naturally occurring species in Cape waters where they play vital roles in the health and biodiversity of our marine ecosystems.
They predate on squid, fish, other sharks, seals and even scavenge on dead whales. The largest Great Whites can reach up to 6.1 meters. They are present year-round in Cape waters, but use different habitats during the different seasons. In winter (Apr-Sep) most shark activity is concentrated around seal colonies where Cape fur seals, particularly juveniles, make up a significant part of their diet. Whereas in summer (Oct-Mar) sharks are distributed along the coast often within close proximity to beaches where it’s suggested they prey on fish and smaller sharks, mate or give birth or simply prefer the warmer inshore waters.
Shark Attacks:
On the Cape Peninsula, the first fatalities were recorded at Seaforth and Simon’s Town, in 1900 and 1901. Since 1960 however, only 25 attacks have occurred on the Cape Peninsula. That is less than one attack per year.
Of these 25 attacks on the peninsula, a high percentage has been on spear fishers. Only four of these last 25 attacks have proved to be fatal. Sharks don’t see people as their natural prey, but they may occasionally bite to investigate what you are, because they feel threatened or may mistake humans as prey.
Safety Tips:
Entering the ocean is always at you own discretion, but by following these tips you can reduce the risk of a shark bite even further:
• Don’t swim in deep water beyond the breaker
• Don’t swim if you are bleeding
• Don’t swim near river mouths
• Don’t swim, surf or paddle at night or on your own
• Don’t swim, surf or paddle when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding
• Don’t swim, surf or paddle near trek-netting, fishing or spearfishing
• Don’t dive for rock lobster using a bait bag
• Consider using a Shark Spotter Beach
• Paddle in groups and stay close together
• Pay attention to shark signage on beaches
• Speak to Shark Spotters, law enforcement officials or life-guards about the area you plan to use
• Obey beach officials if told to leave the water
The Shark Spotters:
The shark spotters operate in shifts of five or six hours a day. Equipped with radios, they are able to communicate with each other and when a shark is spotted, the alarm is raised to warn bathers and call them back to the shore pronto.
Shark Spotters has proven to be an effective warning system in Cape Town with hundreds of shark sightings recorded. However, Shark Spotters is not 100% effective due to human error, weather and sea conditions. Entering the ocean is done so at the individual’s own risk.
The Flags Explained:
Green flag with white shark = Spotting conditions good
Black flag with white shark = Spotting conditions poor
Red flag with white shark = High shark Alert
White flag with black shark = A shark has been spotted – siren will sound. Leave the water immediately!
This cache can be done as an enjoyable circular 45 min hike. Start at the Berg Road Parking area which is right next to the start of Elsie's Peak Path (S 34° 08.577' E 018° 25.597'). After walking up to (S 34° 08.742' E 18° 25.635') take the left fork in the path across towards Fish Hoek Bay which is another route up to Elsie's Peak. Keep walking until you reach (S 34° 08.750' E 18° 25.848'). At this point take the right fork in the path to the cache site. You can return here later to head on down to the Shark Spotters Hut and Mountain Road (S 34° 08.712' E 018° 25.992'). Once you are on the road you can head on back to your car. Hope you enjoy the views!
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