Help keep Hout Bay Beach safe this festive season
The Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch is calling on volunteers to assist with keeping the beach safe over the festive period.
Image: Supplied
The Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch (HBNW) is calling on volunteers to help safeguard Hout Bay Beach over the festive season, as thousands of residents and tourists are expected to flock to the shoreline.
Increased Beach Patrol numbers will offer an important extra layer of visibility, awareness, and support during this busy period.
Each year, the HBNW’s Beach Patrol initiative provides crucial assistance along the length of Hout Bay Beach, strengthening safety during the peak summer weeks.
HBNW chairperson, Andrew Martin, said patrols were conducted in pairs and operated in two-hour shifts throughout the day.
"Each team is equipped with a radio that maintains direct communication with Deep Blue and WatchCon, allowing any security or safety concerns to be reported immediately," he said.
Mr Martin said that while patrollers play an important role in identifying and escalating potential security issues, they also play another important role.
"Volunteers also assist by offering guidance to visitors on safe swimming areas, reminding beachgoers not to litter and generally helping to create a welcoming and orderly environment during the peak holiday period," he said.
Sign up and become a Beach Patroller and help to keep Hout Bay Beach safe this festive season.
Image: Supplied
Opportunistic crime, drunk driving, and unruly public behaviour are among the leading challenges faced in Hout Bay during the festive season.
HBNW has been recognised for its efforts in bringing the community together to actively combat crime. They started experiencing an escalating rate of crime from 2000 onwards, according to HBNW, and by 2003, Hout Bay saw its crime rate increase dramatically across all categories.
The community had had enough and called a meeting to form their very own neighbourhood watch.
From small beginnings, HBNW flourished, with the support of some 3 000 plus signed-up members and the backing of hundreds of active members - administrators, responders, and patrollers.
Mr Martin said the Beach Patrol initiative has become a "valued community effort, contributing to a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable beach experience for all".
Hout Bay Beach Patrols will start on Saturday, December 13, running through until Tuesday, January 13 and no experience is required. Safety vests and radios will be provided.
If you are interested, email admin@hbnw.co.za