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Cape Town - The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence has warned beach-goers not to bathe on a number of beaches along the East Coast, as shark barriers have been removed from the ocean to make way for the annual sardine run making its way up the East Coast at the moment.
The safe bathing warning comes right at the beginning of the annual school winter holiday.
The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence posted to their official Facebook page saying, "Remember that bathing is banned from Brighton Beach to Port Edward due to Sardine Run. The shark safety gear has been removed, therefore, you are advised not to swim in these areas."
Beaches affected include the ever-popular Margate beach and Shelly Beach, as well as certain beaches in Port Shepstone, Durban, Port Edward and Amanzimtoti.
The stretch of beaches affected can be seen here:
The sardine run usually takes place between May and July each year. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence, this year's sardine run has been less visible than previous years. The center said on Tuesday, 30 June, "unfortunately it is very quiet all along our coast, [and] there is no sign of fish activity associated with Sardines. We find it strange because they would normally appear after the North-easterly winds, but that is not happening this year."
However, they say the season is not over yet, and the fish are very unpredictable.
If you were planning on swimming in the warm waters of the East Coast for this school holiday, you'll need to make other plans in order to accommodate the sardines. Check out these 14 Fun things to do with the kids for Traveller24's best ideas.
READ: School's out: 14 Fun things to do with the kids
Have you spotted the Sardine Run? Please share your photos and travel experiences with us at info@traveller24.com or post them on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts - you could be featured on News24.
