Shark alarm in Plettenberg Bay: Enhancing beach safety with innovative technology

The NSRI continues to lead in beach safety innovation with the latest addition to its Beach Safety Camera Network Project: a second shark alarm installed in Plettenberg Bay.

This project, initiated in 2020, is the first of its kind in South Africa, specifically designed for sea rescue and beach safety. It features elevated cameras strategically positioned at beaches with high rip current risk in the Western Cape, capable of spotting rip currents, sharks and monitoring areas to assist lifeguards and NSRI Rescue Swimmers.

The Beach Safety Camera Network Project has already garnered numerous awards for its life-saving innovation. The first PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera was installed in Strand, Cape Town. Today, the NSRI operates six Beach Safety Cameras in Strand, Blouberg, Herolds Bay, Kleinmond, Plettenberg Bay, and Buffelsbaai. However, Plettenberg Bay stands out as the only location equipped with an alarm system.

Jason Kampel from Delve Systems, who designed the NSRI Beach Safety Camera system, also installed the alarm and serves as a rescue crew volunteer at Bakoven. The Plett shark alarm and Beach Safety Camera are shared with Shark Spotters, Lifeguards, and the Beach Control office, all of whom can activate the alarm.

Station 14 Plettenberg Bay Station Commander Jaco Kruger expressed his strong support for the shark alarm and camera system. “The benefit of having a quality camera and alarm like that linked to the ops room is extremely impactful. I know we like to refer to it as a shark camera, but it's bather safety out-and-out, and it's an 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 integrating efforts between lifeguards, shark spotters, and NSRI teams.

“It’s a multi-purpose tool, and it's definitely the future. We're striving to have these cameras rolled out on at least three or even hopefully four main beaches. As time goes on, this concept will prove the value of having an early warning system," Jaco continued. He emphasised 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 organisations, including Beach Control, lifeguards, and shark spotters. "The alarm system itself is a major blessing, it works so well now that we've upgraded it. It carries the sound, it carries the weight, it carries 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 organisation 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 are going to be the number one tool in conjunction with stuff like the Pink Rescue Buoys, that is going to save lives, change lives, and create futures in this country. It is the way forward for the future."

- Herman Eloff