Plettenberg Bay, South Africa – Plett Tourism and Bitou Municipality have officially launched their summer readiness campaign, welcoming visitors to a season defined by “Sun, Surf, and Safety.” While the region celebrates the recognition of six Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats for the 2025/2026 season, officials are urging the public to adhere to safety protocols and critical water conservation efforts.
National Sea Rescue Institute Plettenberg Bay Station 14 together with Beach Control, Bitou Lifeguards, Natures Valley Coastwatchers and Plett Shark Spotters have implemented new safety systems over the past year to further improve bather safety. At the centre of this new system are the NSRI’s Beach Safety Cameras monitored 24 hours a day by NSRI’s EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) in Cape Town.
Beach Safety Cameras, which allow volunteers and rescue personnel to remotely monitor beaches in real time, spotting hazards, tracking swimmers, and reducing response delays, are located on Central Beach, Robberg 5, Lookout Beach and Nature’s Valley. On-site Audible Alarms, which are installed to alert water-users of shark activity, are audible on Lookout Beach, Hobie/Wedge Beach, Central Beach, Robberg 5 and The Wreck. These alarms are activated by either Plett Shark Spotters, NSRI or Beach Control.
Bitou Beach Control Lifeguard Services: Trained and certified lifeguards will be stationed at designated beach areas, equipped with the latest safety gear and communications technology. Lifeguards will monitor for water-related emergencies from rescues to first-aid situations, as well as provide helpful beach safety tips to visitors of all ages. For visitors with disabilities, Plett Tourism is pleased to share that both an amphibious wheelchair and Mobi Mat are available.
Critical Public Notices
- Level 3 Water Restrictions: Plettenberg Bay is currently designated a Water Scarce Area with dam levels below 50%. Residents and visitors are restricted to 15 kilolitres per household (0.5kl per day). Non-essential water use—such as watering gardens, filling pools, and washing cars with hosepipes—is strictly prohibited to sustain supply through the holiday season.
- Seal Rabies Outbreak: Due to confirmed cases of rabies among seals along the Western Cape shoreline, all dogs must be kept on a leash on all Bitou beaches until further notice. The public is urged to report stranded seals immediately to the Plett Stranding Network at +27 (0)72 317 2280 and avoid approaching marine life.
A Message to Visitors “As we look forward to a safe, secure, and enjoyable summer in Plett, we are reminded that our town thrives when our community and visitors work together,” says Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism. “At the same time, Bitou is facing a serious water crisis, and this is where our shared responsibility matters most. Small, everyday actions from each of us add up.”
Bitou Municipality Customer Care Phone: 044 501 3000 | Toll Free Line: 0800212797
We invite everyone to enjoy a memorable summer while following safety and sustainability guidelines to ensure a fun and enjoyable holiday season for all. For more information, summer events, emergency contact numbers, waterwise tips and more, please visit the Plett Summer Essentials Guide on the Plett Tourism website: www.pletttourism.com