Sardine run forces ban on swimming

THE Kwazulu-natal Sharks Board has temporarily banned swimming from Isipingo Beach down to Port Edward, on the South Coast, as the sardine run is expected over the weekend.

Greg Thompson, the board’s head of operations, said there has been an increase in sardine-related activity between Bazley and emanzimtoti over the past few days.

“At the moment bathing between Isipingo and Port Edward is banned due to the sardine related activity in these areas. If you are unsure about the bathing status please make sure you chat to the lifeguards before entering the water. The KZN Sharks Board will continue to monitor activity in the days ahead,” he said.

Thompson said they were alerted by the commercial ski boat which has gone from Port Edward to Waterfall Bluff about the definite increase in sardine action.

He said the board decided to temporarily ban bathing due to unpredictable weather changes.

“The weather is due to change with a fresh south- westerly predicted. These fish are very unpredictable and have always kept us all guessing about their movement. There are always numerous opinions but one seldom guesses right when it comes to sardines.”

The past week sardine netters were busy on the South Coast with more than 1 500 crates filled between Toti main beach and Pipeline beach.

Thompson said there were attempted nettings at Pennington, Scottburgh, Illovo and Winklespruit.