THE world’s most deadly beach, Second Beach in Port St Johns, was thrown a lifeline when economic development MEC Mcebisi Jonas handed state-of-the-art equipment to those who guard the beach.
At least eight people have died in shark attacks at Second Beach in five years. The latest victim, a 72-year-old Austrian tourist, was killed a few weeks ago in shallow water at the notorious site.
Lifeguards feel they may now be able to prove their worth and save lives with the expensive equipment, which includes rescue crafts, boards, shark attack packs, trauma kits and paddles.
It was officially handed over by Jonas and Port St Johns mayor Mnyamezeli Mangqo this week.
About 50 lifeguards trained to work at the area’s eight beaches were thrilled when shown their new rescue equipment.
Bantu Goniwe, 37, the lifeguards’ team leader at Second Beach, has worked as a lifeguard since 1996 and has witnessed several fatal shark attacks.
“It’s not nice working at a place with such a bad reputation. It’s even more painful and traumatic when someone dies on your watch, but now we are committed more than ever to put a stop to the many deaths at the place.”
Jonas said the government was concerned with the high number of people who drowned there.
“Later we will give the lifeguards boats to ensure their maximum capacity in managing the beaches,” he said.
The MEC committed his department to changing the current practice where lifeguards are roped in to guard beaches on a seasonal basis to working all year round. “We also want to educate people about the dangers of being in the sea and how they can protect themselves.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges and coastal communities need to know what is happening around them.”
He said migration and mating patterns of sea creatures could be behind the prevalence of sharks at Port St Johns.
Mangqo said the area expected an influx of visitors to its beaches during Easter.
Although swimming was not barred, Mangqo urged visitors find other interesting things to do around the area rather going for a swim.
Law enforcement agencies will be on standby around beaches during Easter to help reinforce the work done by lifeguards.
Those found swimming while intoxicated might be arrested, warned Mangqo.
He said PSJ was the jewel of the Wild Coast, and it needed to be polished so that it shone again.
He said the shark attacks had dented the image of the town but efforts were being made to turn the situation into a positive one through promoting activities like shark diving.
“We are looking into things like tidal pools where sharks can be collected in one area.
“That could possibly attract a many people from around the world,” he said.
OR Tambo mayoral committee member Siyakholwa Mlamli said they had partnered with the SA Weather Services to install closed-circuit television cameras on certain beaches to monitor bathers and surf conditions as well as sharks.
“We hope that this will ensure that early warnings are given in the event that there is a threat,” he said.
A two-way radio system is being installed to improve communication with rescue services. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za
Shark beach made safer
At least eight people have died in shark attacks at Second Beach in five years. The latest victim, a 72-year-old Austrian tourist, was killed a few weeks ago in shallow water at the notorious site.
Lifeguards feel they may now be able to prove their worth and save lives with the expensive equipment, which includes rescue crafts, boards, shark attack packs, trauma kits and paddles.
It was officially handed over by Jonas and Port St Johns mayor Mnyamezeli Mangqo this week.
About 50 lifeguards trained to work at the area’s eight beaches were thrilled when shown their new rescue equipment.
Bantu Goniwe, 37, the lifeguards’ team leader at Second Beach, has worked as a lifeguard since 1996 and has witnessed several fatal shark attacks.
“It’s not nice working at a place with such a bad reputation. It’s even more painful and traumatic when someone dies on your watch, but now we are committed more than ever to put a stop to the many deaths at the place.”
Jonas said the government was concerned with the high number of people who drowned there.
“Later we will give the lifeguards boats to ensure their maximum capacity in managing the beaches,” he said.
The MEC committed his department to changing the current practice where lifeguards are roped in to guard beaches on a seasonal basis to working all year round. “We also want to educate people about the dangers of being in the sea and how they can protect themselves.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges and coastal communities need to know what is happening around them.”
He said migration and mating patterns of sea creatures could be behind the prevalence of sharks at Port St Johns.
Mangqo said the area expected an influx of visitors to its beaches during Easter.
Although swimming was not barred, Mangqo urged visitors find other interesting things to do around the area rather going for a swim.
Law enforcement agencies will be on standby around beaches during Easter to help reinforce the work done by lifeguards.
Those found swimming while intoxicated might be arrested, warned Mangqo.
He said PSJ was the jewel of the Wild Coast, and it needed to be polished so that it shone again.
He said the shark attacks had dented the image of the town but efforts were being made to turn the situation into a positive one through promoting activities like shark diving.
“We are looking into things like tidal pools where sharks can be collected in one area.
“That could possibly attract a many people from around the world,” he said.
OR Tambo mayoral committee member Siyakholwa Mlamli said they had partnered with the SA Weather Services to install closed-circuit television cameras on certain beaches to monitor bathers and surf conditions as well as sharks.
“We hope that this will ensure that early warnings are given in the event that there is a threat,” he said.
A two-way radio system is being installed to improve communication with rescue services. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos