The NSRI has developed a successful system using cameras and volunteer operators to enhance beach safety.
Western Cape, South Africa (05 August 2024) —Thanks to the NSRI, beachgoers can enjoy the Plett Bay blue ocean and sandy shores with peace of mind. The NSRI continues to lead in beach safety innovation with the latest addition to its Beach Safety Camera Network Project.
A second shark alarm has been installed at Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay.
About the Beach Safety Camera Network Project
The project, which was initiated in 2020, was the first in South Africa to include a powerful Pan Tilt Zoom beach safety camera on the roof of the Beacon Isle Hotel and an alarm system on the NSRI station at Central Beach.
The latest edition to this network is a remote pole with flashing warning lights and sirens at Hobie Beach. The NSRI Beach Safety and Shark Alarm system now covers Central Beach to Wedge Beach.
The new device helps remote NSRI camera operators spot rip currents and sharks and monitor areas to assist lifeguards and NSRI Rescue Swimmers.
An award-winning initiative
The Beach Safety Camera Network Project has already received an award for its life-saving innovation of using volunteer camera operators to help professionals based in NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Milnerton, Cape Town.
The project, centred in Plettenberg Bay, involves a network of cameras linked to an emergency operations centre. A key component is a shark alarm system that can be activated remotely.
“This partnership with the Shark Spotters, Lifeguards, and Beach Control, all working together to make the central Plettenberg Bay beaches safe, makes this project unique,” said NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram.
Station 14 Plettenberg Bay Station Commander Jaco Kruger strongly supports the Shark Alarm and camera system.
“The benefit of having a quality camera and alarm linked to our EOC and 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,” 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.
The system has proven effective in detecting dangers, aiding rescues, and improving overall beach safety. There are plans to expand this innovative approach to other beaches.
“The alarm system itself is a major blessing; it works so well now that we’ve upgraded it with the first remote alarm and warning lights at Hobie Beach. With funding, we can add poles with wireless alarms and solar panels every kilometre up and down the beach,” Jaco noted, underscoring the system’s significant contribution to enhancing beach safety.
“Watch this space: the NSRI Beach Safety Cameras and Alarms are going to be the number one tool. When used in conjunction with simple ideas such as our Pink Rescue Buoys, they will save lives, change lives, and create futures in this country. It is the way forward,“ said Jaco.
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute
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