The ‘Shark Spotting Programme’ is the only program of its kind in the world and is unique to the Western Cape, in particular the Cape Town and surrounding popular beach areas. Shark spotters actively monitors the seas at numerous popular beaches and uses a flag warning system to communicate sightings to the public. Swimmers should always use beaches where shark spotters are on duty. While sharks are present in the waters of the Western Cape all year round, summertime usually yields a seasonal increase of the inshore presence of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias).

Flag Warning System

If you are a regular at the beach, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the shark spotting signs. The four flag warnings are detailed as follows: