Beaches
All along the Mossel Bay shore there are beaches sprinkled among the rocks. Even at the very Point of Cape Saint Blaize there is a sandy channel set between two rocky ridges that has long been treated by locals as the town swimming pool – known as the “Poort”.
Mossel Bay’s Blue Flag Beaches
Mossel Bay have five WESSA blue flag beaches. We are very proud and happy that Santos beach, De Bakke beach, Hartenbos beach, Glentana and Klein Brakrivier beach are all part of this prestigious group of beaches in South Africa.
The greater Mossel Bay is home to no less than sixty kilometres of long, sandy beaches as well as beach-going weather throughout the year. There is also plenty of beach stuff to do in Mossel Bay like swimming, sailing, surfing, fishing and walking. Feel like doing nothing at all? That’s what everyone likes best at the beach, especially on beaches like ours.
What is a Blue Flag Beach?
Lifesavers on Duty
Beach patrol services and lifeguards have already been deployed on the five blue flag beaches in the greater Mossel Bay, such as Glentana, Great Brak River, De Bakke, Santos, Cloete se Gat, Diaz and Kleinbrak, and will also operate on the other popular swimming beaches from December 14, 2019.
The beach patrols are to serve as the eyes and ears of municipal law enforcement officers and to politely address any conduct that is inconsistent with municipal notices and bylaws. Should a problem persist, the patrolling officers will call on either the law enforcement officers or the SA Call police if necessary.
The purpose of the beach patrol services is to visibly patrol and by their presence, to be a deterrent that may prevent unacceptable behaviour. The beach patrol members will also assist where possible to make the beach experience as memorable as possible.
However, lifeguards call for beachgoer’s cooperation by always responding to their instructions and by staying strictly in the designated swimming area.
Some areas, such as the beach at Dana Bay, are not ideal swimming beaches and holidaymakers are urged not to swim there. The ocean currents on Dana Bay make it a very dangerous beach, although it is ideal for long walks along the sea.
Residents and holidaymakers are requested to note the guidelines for dogs on beaches as well as the ban on fireworks. An urgent request is also made for beachgoers to remove all their litter from the beaches when they leave after a day of fun in the sun.
Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team
072 227 4715
The Seabird & Penguin RehabilitationCentre (SAPREC)
Carol Walton – 072 227 4715
Rules to take note of
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Liquor
Never consume alcohol before swimming, diving or boating as it impairs your judgment, balance and coordination, which can be fatal when in water or in the ocean.
Walking your Dog
Annually, during the period from 1 December to 31 January, dogs may be walked on the following beaches on the demarcated areas between the hours of 05:00 and 08:00 in the mornings and 18:00 and 20:00 at night.
- Santos beach – only for the duration of officially proclaimed doggy walks. Note that dogs are NOT allowed at any other time
- Diaz Beach – between the estuary and Bayview
- Hartenbos – between the river mouth and Little Brak River, excluding the Blue Flag beach between the river mouth and the northern boundary of the parking lot
- Reebok / Tergniet
- Dana Bay – only between First and Second beaches
- Souwesia
BLUE FLAG BEACHES
Blue Flag status applies in Mossel Bay from 9 December to 10 January. Then no dogs are allowed on the Blue Flag beaches of Glentana, Klein Brak River, Hartenbos, De Bakke or Santos.
HOURS
During the period from 1 February to 30 November annually, dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs between the hours of 06:00 and 20:00 on the beaches mentioned above.
CODE OF CONDUCT
People who walk their dogs on beaches must adhere to the following code of conduct:
- Dogs must always be under strict control of the owner / dog walker at all times
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
Dog handlers must have control of their dogs at all times and not allow them to interfere with the pleasure of others using the public beach areas - Vicious dogs must be muzzled
- Give right of way to people unaccompanied by dogs
- Dog handlers must be responsible for removing their dog’s faeces from beaches, grass areas, paths, car parks and any other areas used by pedestrians. Faeces should be removed from all areas immediately and either removed from the site or placed in appropriate bins
- Bitches on heat may not be walked in the public beach areas
- Dog handlers must ensure that their dogs do not chase or injure wild life
- Public beach area notices must be complied with
Beaches between Boggomsbaai and Vleesbaai
Dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs between the hours of 06:00 and 20:00 on the beach area between the most southern part of the beach at Boggomsbaai and the north of First Beach at Vleesbaai
Apart from the same rules as described above, dog handlers must remain on the public beach areas and approved paths and tracks at all times. No new paths may be created and no shortcuts may be taken.
Ocean Awareness 101
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How do I avoid getting stuck in a current?
- Never go swimming alone and always watch your friend.
- Use the buddy system
- Always keep an eye on a fixed point or marker on the beach
- Always make sure your feet can touch the ground
- Never swim in rough water
- Always swim between the lifesaver’s red-and-yellow flags
What do I do if I DO get stuck in a current?
- Do not panic and stay calm
- Never swim against or directly into the current
- If you have a surfboard or body board wit you, stay on it. It will keep you a float.
- Use one arm to keep you afloat and hold the other one up to signal for help. Stay calm
- Let the current take you out to sea and then assess how you can get back to shore (rip currents work in circular patterns)
How do I recognise a current
- Current strength is determined by the tide and wind, which in turn affect the size of the waves
- Currents are usually discolored, sandy brown
- Currents ripples the surface of the sea
- Currents usually start in deep water where there is little wave activity.
5 Golden Rules of swimming at the beach
- Never swim alone
- Always keep an eye on a fixed marker on the beach
- Stay waist- to chest-deep, and keep your feet on the ground
- Swim between the flags wherever life savers are on duty
- After a you eat, wait at least 30 minutes before you swim
And finally...
- Always respect Mother Nature, the sea.
- Keep the beach clean and tidy.
- Always tell your parents or care takers that you are going to the beach.
- Be responsible on the beach, do not drink alcohol or eat before entering the water.
- It’s very important that you share this knowledge and information with your parents, friends, brothers and sisters.
- If you can abide by these simple rules you will be able to enjoy swimming in the sea and still be safe.
Ocean Awareness Information supplied by www.wavesschoolofsurfing.com
No swimming at Dana Bay!
Beach-goers are advised not to swim at any of the Dana Bay beaches due to dangerous currents and sea conditions at times.
No lifesavers on duty.