2009/09/14
SHARK repellant devices will be used for the 2009 Mr Price SA Open Surfing competition being held at Nahoon Reef this weekend.
Over 50 surfers from around the country will be competing for the coveted title – and within a protective radius of the special shields.
The shields are electronic devices that are capable of preventing a shark attack at sea when worn or attached to a buoy.
According to local surfing enthusiast and Shark Shield distributor, Peter Jones, the shields emit electronic impulses that cover an eight-metre diameter.
Jones, who has been surfing for over 20 years, will be one of the commentators for today’s event.
Robin de Kock, general manager of Surfing South Africa (SSA), said they would make use of three shields attached to buoys at the backline of Nahoon Reef in East London throughout the competition.
“The devices are being used as an extra precaution and not because there is any threat of shark activity during the SA Open,” he said.
Buffalo City Municipality has also acquired five of the shields.
Siani Tinley, chief of BCM marine services, said lifesavers at Gonubie, Nahoon, Eastern, Orient and Bonza Bay beaches had been provided with the Australian-made devices. - By ASA SOKOPO
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