THE KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board will remove shark safety gear this week, it said in a statement on Monday. The board has been tracking the arrival of a cut-off low weather system that is forecast to significantly increase the swell size off the KZN coastline later this week.
Large swells in excess of three metres are being predicted by all weather forecast sites from Thursday evening, 4 June continuing through to Saturday, 6 June.
“These large swells have the potential to cause severe damage to and dislodge shark safety gear. In order to minimise damage or losses the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, in consultation with the affected municipalities, will remove or reduce shark safety gear at the majority of protected bathing beaches on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
“Shark safety gear will remain in the water at certain beaches spread along the coast; however, these will be minimal. Shark safety gear will be reinstated as soon as sea conditions settle. Members of the public visiting beaches during this period are advised to consult the local lifeguards regarding the status of bathing in the area,” said head of operations, Mike Anderson-Reade.