While people are slowly starting to embrace the fact that great white sharks don’t deliberately hunt or even like the taste of humans, it’s still incredibly important to ensure that people know how to avoid a shark attack. Often mistaken for seals or finding themselves in the middle of a hunting frenzy, people often find themselves in dangerous situations when misinformed or simply ignorant. When it comes down to it, knowledge is power – especially when dealing with nature; the best way to get yourself to safety and avoid danger is to know when you’re at risk.

If you’re planning on going shark cage diving in Gansbaai, it’s likely that you’ll be under the safe and watchful eye and expertise of a professional and accredited shark cage diving company. You can assure your safety by listening to your tour guides and ensuring that all your limbs are within the safety of the cage at all times. Don’t try to touch the sharks or tease them by sticking a hand in front of them. They are incredibly fast and will be tempted to bite you.

While people shark cage diving in Gansbaai will be in the safety of a steel cage, the same cannot be said for surfers, snorkelers and swimmers. Take the below tips into consideration to keep yourself safe:

• When the shark siren is going off, get out of the water immediately. While this might be a given, there have been far too many cases in South Africa where people have remained in the water and been attacked.
• If you are in dangerous waters, remain in a group; sharks are more likely to attack an individual than a group.
• Remain calm if you encounter a Great White Shark – panicked and erratic moves are likely to increase their curiosity, drawing them closer to you or even sending them similar signals to that of distressed or injured prey.
• Create a barrier between yourself and the shark. Use a surfboard, paddle, camera or even fin to separate you from it.
• Always alert others around you if you see a shark. They’ll be able to get themselves out of the water or understand what’s happening should there be an attack.
• If you come across a great white shark while scuba diving, stay as motionless as possible on the bottom of the ocean until the sharks move on. Stick together in a group.
• Only surf at beaches with shark spotters and familiarise yourself with their different flags and symbols so that you can be aware of any potential danger.

While these tips will keep risk at bay and help you avoid an attack, there are hundreds of other theories and tips which could potentially save you from danger. Great white sharks are incredibly clever; don’t try to outwit a shark – rather stay in the clear from the get go than try to avoid an attack. If in doubt, opt for shark cage diving with a professional company or steer clear of the beach when shark spotters have raised the alert. Use information and knowledge to your advantage and you’ll be safer than sorry.

Image Credits:

www.sharkbookings.com

Conservation is taken incredibly seriously in Gansbaai, with many locals and organisations doing their utmost to preserve the indigenous plants of the region and restore the vegetation to its original form. As a result, the Danger Point Peninsula and Walker Bay have become popular nature destinations, attracting thousands of tourists to stay in accommodation in Gansbaai every year. While it’s undeniably the public nature reserves where the success of the conservation efforts can be seen at their best, however you’ll also be able to notice them by simply driving through the region and will hear the passion that the locals have for the environment when speaking with them.

One of the first issues that were tackled in the conservation of the region was to remove all alien vegetation. This has been quite a challenge and will be a continuous effort for years to come. Locals and organisations will need to recognise these plants and make sure that they are pulled out effectively before they have time to compete with the indigenous plants for water, space and nutrients. This process is essential to the nurturing of indigenous plants, ensuring their protection from extinction. Next on the agenda is reforestation; planting fynbos in the areas which were previously home to alien vegetation or desolate. These efforts have been made on both private properties and in public nature reserves.

A fresh and unique approach to the sustainable use of natural resources in the region has been created by the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative. New standards have been set for picking flowers for the cut-flower trade, organic fertilisers and sound guns to chase hungry antelopes (in search of grazing) away are also being used. Roads are also being tarred in the hopes of creating a barrier for the spread of invasive vegetation, and in process, original water flows of rivers and swamps will be restored. And while the efforts can be clearly seen from land, they’re often being made at sea. Whale and marine biologists are working together to ensure that a 300m distance is kept from whales, that African penguins are protected and to ensure that no oil is leaked into the ocean.

The conservation attempts have attracted many tourists to the region, causing a boom an increase in demand for accommodation in Gansbaai. Visitors can go on guided day walks, tours and explore the beautiful, indigenous landscape for themselves while embarking on self-drive tours. While the flora and fauna are undeniably the region’s most popular characteristics, guests can also enjoy marine boat trips, can go shark cage diving, can explore the town’s quaint shops, restaurants and pubs, and can enjoy the luxury accommodation and facilities on offer. The conservation efforts of the locals have put Gansbaai on the flora map, making it a favorite local getaway destination and an astounding attraction for international visitors.