The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is at the forefront of beach safety innovation. Now enhancing Plettenberg Bay’s safety measures with the addition of a second shark alarm as part of its Beach Safety Camera Network Project.
Launched in 2020, this groundbreaking project is the first of its kind in South Africa, specifically designed for sea rescue and beach safety. Elevated cameras are strategically positioned at high-risk beaches in the Western Cape, capable of spotting rip currents and sharks and monitoring areas to assist lifeguards and NSRI Rescue Swimmers.
Enhancing Beach Safety in Plettenberg Bay with Cutting-Edge Shark Detection Technology
The Beach Safety Camera Network Project has garnered multiple awards for its life-saving capabilities. The first PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera was installed in Strand, Cape Town, and today, the NSRI operates six Beach Safety Cameras across Strand, Blouberg, Herolds Bay, Kleinmond, Plettenberg Bay, and Buffelsbaai. Plettenberg Bay, however, stands out as the only location equipped with an advanced alarm system.
Jason Kampel from Delve Systems, who designed the NSRI Beach Safety Camera system, installed the shark alarm and also serves as a rescue crew volunteer at Bakoven. The shark alarm and Beach Safety Camera in Plettenberg Bay are shared with Shark Spotters, Lifeguards, and the Beach Control office, all of whom can activate the alarm when necessary.
Jaco Kruger, Station 14 Plettenberg Bay Station Commander, expressed strong support for the shark alarm and camera system. “Having a quality camera and alarm linked to the operations room is extremely impactful. It’s not just a shark camera; it’s a comprehensive bather safety and operations camera,” Jaco said. He highlighted the camera’s capability to zoom all the way to the river mouth, aiding in various rescue operations and enhancing coordination between lifeguards, shark spotters, and NSRI teams.
“This multi-purpose tool is definitely the future. We’re striving to have these cameras installed on at least three or even four main beaches. As time goes on, this concept will prove the value of having an early warning system,” Jaco continued. He emphasized the system’s effectiveness in alerting lifeguards and beachgoers, especially children, about potential dangers swiftly.
The Plettenberg Bay shark alarm system is a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations, including Beach Control, lifeguards, and shark spotters. “The alarm system is a major blessing. It works so well now that we’ve upgraded it. It carries the sound, the weight, and the impact,” Jaco noted, underscoring the system’s significant contribution to enhancing beach safety.
Plettenberg Bay has seen an increase in white shark activity in recent years, with two fatal shark bite incidents occurring within three months in 2022. In response, the Plett Shark Action Group invited Shark Spotters, an established shark safety organization operating in Cape Town since 2004, to partner with them.
Working closely with the Bitou Municipality Beach Control, Lifesavers, and the NSRI station, Plett Shark Spotters has made a positive impact on beach safety in Plettenberg Bay. Their efforts have reduced shark-human conflict and restored confidence in using local beaches.
Shark Warning Systems, including towers with lights, sirens, and audio broadcasts, notify beach users of nearby shark activity, contributing to a safer beach environment.
The NSRI Beach Safety Camera Network Project, especially the Plettenberg Bay shark alarm, and the newly installed remote alarm which covers Hobie Beach, showcases the potential of integrating technology with traditional rescue methods to create a safer beach experience for everyone. As Jaco aptly put it, “Watch this space. The cameras, in conjunction with tools like the Pink Rescue Buoys, are going to save lives, change lives, and create futures in this country. It is the way forward for the future.”
Related Content
