Cape coast shark warnings.

VISITORS intending to use the ocean for recreational purposes are urged to exercise caution as the first Great White sharks of the season have been spotted off the False Bay coast(Cape Peninsuala). Although Great Whites are present in the coastal waters throughout the year and always pose a small threat, the period between mid-August and the end of November has seen the highest number of recorded shark-human interactions over the past five years, according the City of Cape Town.

The city urges recreational sea users to be extra vigilant over the next few months and take note of shark sightings. Kayakers and surf-skiers should keep a watchful eye in the area between Sunnycove and Glencairn Beach, while surfers and swimmers should take extra care in the area between Sunrise Beach and Strandfontein and in the Macassar Beach area. Shark spotters are on duty along the coast and people are urged to make use of them when visiting beaches where they are on duty. Shark-spotting programmes are currently in operation on the following beaches: St James, Muizenberg Corner, Fish Hoek and Noordhoek. Spotters are on duty seven days a week from 08h00 to 18h00, and until 19h00 from October.