PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Louise Auersperg, founder of Adopt a Swimmer, has joined the growing calls for Bitou Municipality to restore funding for the Plettenberg Bay Shark Spotters programme, saying the service is essential for public safety, tourism and ocean education.
'Safety cannot be compromised'
Auersperg, who owns a local swim school, said the absence of Shark Spotters should be viewed with the same seriousness as beaches operating without lifeguards.
"Swimming on the beach without lifesavers is irresponsible and dangerous. Similarly, the absence of our Shark Spotters due to a lack of municipal funding puts swimmers at significant risk," she said.
Auersperg said she has supported the programme since its launch in 2023 following two fatal shark attacks in Plettenberg Bay.
"Having met shark attack survivor Caleb Swanepoel and spoken extensively with him, we all want to prevent any repeat of such traumatic incidents," she said. She added that Shark Spotters has become an important partner in teaching children how to enjoy the ocean safely and gives both residents and visitors greater confidence before entering the water.
Appealing to the municipality, Auersperg said funding the programme is an investment in beach safety, tourism and community well-being.
Municipality says agreement can be concluded
As previously reported by Knysna-Plett Herald, Bitou Municipality said Council had approved R800 000 in grant-in-aid funding for the Shark Spotters during a special council meeting on 26 June, and that it is ready to conclude a new memorandum of agreement (MoA).
The municipality said the funding is subject to the Municipal Finance Management Act and its grant-in-aid policy, which prohibits grant funding from being used for employee-related costs, including salaries and wages.
It said that it recognises the programme's contribution to public safety, beach management and visitor confidence, and remains committed to maintaining a positive working relationship with the organisation.
Programme remains suspended
The Shark Spotters said their operations have been suspended since 1 July. In a Facebook update on 21 July, the organisation said despite the ongoing engagement with Bitou Municipality, it had been unable to resolve "a number of material changes" introduced in the municipality's proposed MoA.
"These changes have significant contractual and operational implications for the programme and differ considerably from what had previously been discussed and agreed between the parties," the organisation said.
As a result, the Shark Spotters are unable to sign the agreement in its current form, leaving 14 local jobs in limbo.
In a separate Facebook post on 28 July, the organisation thanked the public for its support and a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign that had been launched to assist the local team during the suspension.
Residents, business owners and visitors have continued to back the programme, describing it as a valuable investment in beach safety, tourism, education, research, local employment and public confidence.
Several also highlighted the close working relationship between the Shark Spotters and lifeguards, enabling rapid warnings when sharks are sighted.
Meanwhile, the Shark Spotters dismissed the rumours that it had resumed operations from the rooftop of Beacon Island Resort, clarifying that the site was used for about five days during the first week of the Plett Ocean Festival, and that the costs were covered by the festival's organisers.
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