New Year wishes from Mossel Bay Weather and Disaster Observation Service

2014 has arrived!! Let's never forget that New Year is the time to unfold new horizons and realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength and faith within us, to rejoice in simple pleasures and gear up for new challenges. The New Year is a moment of quiet reflection. Reflect on the year gone by; of the happy gains and missed opportunities. Recount the good and bad of the past year. Introspect on your personal growth, and learn from the experience. New Year is the time to ensure that we bring balance to our life with positive influences overriding the negative ones. I want to wish everybody a Prosperous and Happy New Year and wish all MSBWX readers/observers only the best for 2014.

“A Big Thank You” to all of the MSBWX partners worldwide. Every year, I have the wonderful fortune to be able to work with some of the brightest, most dedicated, and most talented people in the world through my interaction with the MSBWX around the world. Some of you I have known for many, many years, and some of you I have just recently had the pleasure to meet or interact with.  I offer you a sincere “Thank you,” and genuine wishes for an even better, more amazing 2014 together.

Make the best of 2014!!


Johan Terblanche
Founder: MSBWX. SAWDOS and SAWDIS
Mossel Bay
South Africa

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014: Setting off Fireworks and Chinese Lanterns!!

Detonation of Fireworks during New Years Eve and New Years Day festivities

The new year is upon us and many parties have been scheduled for later tonight. Many of these parties go hand in hand with the detonation of fireworks to celebrate the beginning of 2014.

Last year several fires were started as a result of the public detonating fireworks in areas of the Southern Cape. Now I hear you say "So what......we are having fun". This attitude is absolutely irresponsible. MSBWX appeal to the public not to detonate fireworks in South Africa this year.  In Mossel Bay the detonation of fireworks are totally forbidden. Now this year the detonating of fireworks could have serious effects and could lead to run-away veld fires causing extensive damage. The Southern Cape experience a dry spell and vegetation is very dry.

Wildfires can cause major environmental, social and economic damages. The loss of plantations, wildlife habitat, homes and even lives may result from a devastating wildfire caused by fireworks. The wildfire that does not start is the one that does not have to be fought.

With the current fire risks across the Garden Route area due to dry conditions and increasing urbanization, now is the time to be more FIREWISE.

Chinese Lanterns during New Years Eve and New Years Day festivities

MSBWX appealing to the public not to set off Chinese Lanterns. Chinese Lanterns are made out of a balsa wood or thin wire frame, a paper shell and a candle in the centre. The candle is lit allowing the generation of heat to send the lantern skyward where it floats through the sky (similar to a hot air ballon) until the candle burns out and then the baloon falls to the ground.

Once Chinese Lanterns are set off they are usually abandoned by the people setting them off and are seldom, if ever, followed by their owners to be properly disposed of wherever they land. It is widely believed to be near impossible to predict what they will do or where they will go once set off as they are at the mercy of the elements of the weather and wind conditions.

Chinese Lanterns are often mistaken by eye-witnesses as red distress flares. They are also feared to be a fire hazard – if they are caught in the wind and land in trees or dry grass fields or on buildings while the candle is still burning.

and the NSRI strongly believe that, based on the potential risks that chinese lanterns may pose and based on the number of false alarms that the NSRI respond to, which turn out to be chinese lanterns mistaken to be red distress flares, that the practice of setting off chinese lanterns, into the sky, is irresponsible behavior and should not be practiced.

Do not detonate fireworks or set off Chinese Lanterns!!

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014: SEA RESCUE – NSRI – STATION 23, Wilderness.

At 16h23, Friday, 27th December, NSRI Wilderness responded to the Wilderness beachfront, in front of The wilderness Beach Hotel, following multiple calls from eye-witnesses reporting 3 people being swept out to sea by rip currents. NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmers, WC Government Health EMS, SA National Parks rangers and ER24 ambulance services responded. On arrival all 3 people were on the beach. 2 off duty NSRI volunteers from another sea rescue station had assisted the 3 casualty's who had managed to get out of the surf unassisted. A 42 year old man from Upington was transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition for observation for near drowning symptoms. A 19 year old male and a 13 year old male, the man's sons, were not injured.

At 12h00, Saturday, 28th December, NSRI Wilderness responded to Wilderness Beach following reports of a male and a female being swept out to sea. Lifeguards and ER24 ambulance services also responded and on arrival on-scene a 22 year old Pretoria female and a 17 year old Johannesburg male were found on the beach. The male had managed to get out of the water without assistance. The female was rescued out of the water by a crewman of a Trans Agulhas race boat. Dreyer van Niekerk, had by pure coincidence, beached his Trans Agulhas boat to effect repairs to his boat during the Trans Agulhas boat race when he noticed the two persons being swept out to sea at the same place. Dreyer swam out and rescued the 22 year old female. Both casualties were checked on the beach by paramedics, both were warned of secondary drowning symptoms but they have chosen not to be taken to hospital. Dreyer is commended for his rescue effort.

   -ENDS-

 Released by:

Craig Lambinon
NSRI

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014: Life Guards Lose Control Of Boat Stuck in Full Throttle

This is a life guard boat that they lost control of and their kill switch was either not on their arm or it Mal-functioned. The Boat was stuck in full throttle almost decapitating one of the life-guards swimming towards it. Life guards were shouting and whistling to the ones that got thrown out the boat to swim away from shore because they were still trying to get onto the boat.

Parents and life guards screaming at the bathers to get out of the water because there's a rogue boat in the water.

Be Safe these holidays!

May this Christmas be special - Merry Christmas!

The earth has grown old with its burden of care but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung. - Phillips Brooks

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014: NSRI - Beware of Rip currents.

This picture, above, shows very clearly what rip currents look like. The water flows in towards the beach over shallow water or sandbanks (The water is a lighter colour and waves break evenly over these areas) and to get back out to sea it often forms a rip – or “river” of water – between two sand banks ( waves seldom break in a rip and the water is darker green because it is deeper).

Rip currents claim the lives of many people each year. Below is a description of how to spot them and what to do when caught in one.

You can download an A4 poster on rip currents here.
You can watch a video on rip currents here.

This picture by NSRI volunteer Torsten Henschel clearly shows a rip current ( dark green on the right) at natures valley. 

What is a rip current? Rips are able to develop anywhere there are breaking waves, these “rivers” of current produced by water draining from the beach and back out to sea happen all the the time.

Often rips move slow enough to barely be detected. But given the right circumstances of waves and beach profile, they can develop into currents moving at speeds of up to 2 metres per second – faster than any of us can swim. Ranging in size from just a few feet to hundreds of yards, their pull can be to just outside the breaking waves to over two hundred metres from shore.

Often the water flows parallel to the beach close to the shore (a side current) and then rips out. Picture Torsten Henschel.

How to spot a rip current: As with all risks, avoiding rips altogether is safest.  Though not always visually detectable – stronger rip currents can give off some telltale signs.

• Water through a surf zone that is a different color than the surrounding water
• A break in the incoming pattern of waves
• seaweed or debris moving out through the surf zone
• Isolated turbulent and choppy water in the surf zone

Often, the best resource to help you avoid rip currents – not surprisingly – are the lifesavers.

Swim only where lifesavers are on duty, and if they are not on duty do not go deeper than your knee.

If avoidance fails: If you are caught in a rip current the primary thing to so is to stay calm and relax.  You are not going to win a fight with the ocean.  Swim slowly and conservatively parallel to the shoreline or relax and let it carry you out past the breakers until it slacks.

Contrary to myth – rip currents are not “undertow,” which a misleading term.  They will not pull you under the water.  So long as you can tread water or float you will be safe until you can escape the flow and head back to the beach.  When you head back in, do so at an angle to the shoreline.  Again, maintain a slow and relaxed pace until you reach the shore or assistance arrives.  If you are swimming at a beach where lifesavers are on duty ─ and you should be ─ they will most likely have seen you and will be on their way out to help (or be watching carefully).

Other tips:

• Talk to the lifesavers about local hazards before getting in the water.
• [Experienced] surfers go out when it’s rough because it’s fun and they are tethered to huge boards that float. If you’re not VERY comfortable in rough water over your head – stay out of rough water totally.  You’re not ready.
• NEVER swim alone.
• There is nothing wrong with making your young children wear approved life jackets to play in the surf. That doesn’t mean you can leave them alone – but it will make them safer.
• Discuss rip currents and how to deal with them with your children. In fact, make them read every page of http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/ and write you a report.
• Swim only on beaches where lifesavers are on duty.  That has been said twice for a reason.

- NSRI

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014 - RTWO - Mossel Bay

Images: MSBWX  (Absolutely great weather currently experienced in the Mossel Bay area)

SEA RESCUE – KNYSNA – Thursday, 19th December, 2013. 3 teenagers deceased after being swept out to sea

At 12h40 (Thursday, 19th December) NSRI Knysna volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of 4 females (believed to be teenagers) swept out to sea at Leisure Isle, Knysna.

NSRI Knysna volunteer sea rescue swimmers and nearby Municipal lifeguards responded directly to the scene and WC Government Health EMS, SA Police Services, Allsound Security and ER24 ambulance service responded.

Graeme Harding, NSRI Knysna station commander said that on arrival on-scene 3 of 4 females (believed to be locals and believed to be teenagers) were approximately 300 meters off-shore of Leisure Isle, being swept by rip-currents in the direction of the Knysna Heads.

One female (the fourth female) had managed to get out of the water safely and unassisted and she was not injured, said Graeme.

Three Municipal lifeguards and an NSRI rescue swimmer swam out to the 3 females and found them lying face down in the water. They were all 3 rescued and brought to shore where Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts were immediately initiated.

CPR continued on all 3 females while they were rushed to Knysna hospitals by ambulances and after extensive continuing CPR efforts, in the hospitals, were exhausted all 3 females were later declared deceased by doctors.

Police have opened an inquest docket and are attempting to locate family of the four females.

According to eye-witnesses it is believed that the teenagers may have been walking along the bank when they stepped into shallow water and were then swept off their feet and swept out to sea by the channels currents and rip currents.

NSRI are urgently appealing to the public to exercise extreme caution around the coast while the current full moon spring tide brings a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide and stronger than normal rip currents the effects of which will last into next week.

 

-ENDS- 

 

Released by: 

 

 

 

Craig Lambinon

SEA RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014 - Save Plett's water sources

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay's water supply is under severe threat due to the rampant spread of alien vegetation in the Keurbooms River catchment area, an area critical to the continued water supply to some 42 290 Plett inhabitants.

According to research conducted by the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative (E2A), projections indicate that if nothing is done to curb the spread of these thirsty invaders by 2025 the Keurbooms stream flow will have dwindled to a trickle.

E2A has a project planned to restore the Keurbooms River Catchment area to its natural state by clearing 2 000 hectares of invasive alien vegetation in the mountains and hills behind Plett.

They need to raise R500 000 for the first year of this three-year endeavour, by the end of 2013, in order to receive a government grant of R 8.2 million which has been earmarked for this project.

This large-scale project will also create 100 much needed jobs in Plettenberg Bay. "Everything is ready to go, the mapping, the planning is all in place, we just need this last bit of funding," said Pamela Booth, Project Manager, on behalf of E2A.

A crowd-funding campaign has been launched at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/more-work-water-life/x/5131357. Three days remain before the campaign closes.

To make a donation visit www.edentoaddo.co.za or for more project details contact Pamela Booth on 082 875 0342.

- Knysna/Plett Herald

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014 - Mossel Bay Early Morning Holiday Images

Images: MSBWX (Click on images for larger view.)

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014 - Mossel Bay Emergency Numbers

Image: SAWDIS (Click on image for larger view.) 

Emergency Services

Police Station

• +27(0)44 691 2222 2C
• George Rd., Mossel Bay

Police - National Number

• Call 10111

Ambulance

• +27(0)44 691 3170 
• Provincial Hospital, 21st Ave., Mossel Bay

ER 24 Private Ambulance Service

• +27(0)084 124
• Corner Alhof Drive and Ryk Tulbagh St. Da Nova, Mossel Bay

Fire Brigade

• +27(0)44 691 3722
• Corner Louis Fourie Rd. & Schoemann St., Mossel Bay

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)

The NSRI’s mission is to save lives on South African waters. This voluntary organisation is manned by a few dedicated people ,and its services are provided free of charge to anyone who encounters difficulty at sea - 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Help the NSRI to help you: put a small amount in any of its donation boats - you’ll find them at various shops and institutions around town – or remember the NSRI in your will (please contact them directly for information about bequests).

• PO Box 734, Mosselbaai, 6500
• Mossel Bay Harbour, CBD, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)82 990 5954
• Fax: +27 (0)44 690 4322
• Mobile: +27 (0)82 990 5954
• Email:  station15@searescue.org.za or afraser@mosselbay.gov.za
• Homepage: www.nsri.org

Provincial Hospital

• 12th Avenue, Da Nova, Mossel Bay

• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 2011

Mossel Bay Municipality

• +27(0)44 606 5000 
• Marsh St., Mossel Bay

Traffic Department

• +27(0)44 606 5201
• Corner Essenhout & Louis Fourie Rd., Mossel Bay

Water & Electricity

• +27(0)44 606 5041
• Marsh St., Mossel Bay

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

• +27(0)44 693 0824
• Bill Jeffrey Ave, Mossel Bay

Tourist Emergency

• +27(0)44 878 2139  or +27(0)82 492 3968

Mossel Bay Tourism - Information Office

Mossel Bay Tourism's Information Centre offers maps, brochures and general information as well as tourist assistance and assistance with making reservations for accommodation and adventures. It's open every day of the week.

• Telephone +27(0)44 691 2202
• Fax +27(0)44 690 3077
• Corner of Market and Church Streets (in the Central Business District), Mossel Bay
• URL www.visitmosselbay.co.za
• E-mail :   station15@searescue.org.za or afraser@mosselbay.gov.za
• GPS Coordinates 34 10.876 South; 22 8.578 East

Ambulance Services

• 12th Avenue, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 1911
• Toll-free number is 10177.

Life Bay View Private Hospital

Situated high on a hill in Mossel Bay with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, Bay View Private Hospital is one of the finest, best equipped private hospitals of its kind in the country, on par with international standards and trends. Highly experienced surgeons and nursing staff are recruited nationally for their specialist expertise, assuring we can at all times maintain our reputation for the highest standard medical care.

• P O Box 287
• c/o Alhof Drive & Ryk Tulbagh Street, Da Nova, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 3718
• Fax: +27 (0)44 691 3717
• Email: bayview@pixie.co.za
• Homepage: www.bayviewprivatehospital.co.za

Mossel Bay Fire Department

24 Hours Available. The fire station is located on the corner of Louis Fourie Drive and Schoeman Street in Da Nova.

• Cnr Louis Fourie & Schoeman, Da Nova, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 3722

Mossel Bay Surf & Life Saving Club

• Mobile: +27 (0)83 462 1182

Southern Cross Life Saving Club

• Mobile: +27 (0)82 740 7654

- Mossel Bay Tourism

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Alert 2013/2014 - Mossel Bay welcome holiday-makers

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Tourism's COO, Marcia Holm, has welcomed summer's holiday-makers to the town, and offered some advice on what to do – and how to be safe – during the busiest period of the year.

"It's great to have everyone back in Mossel Bay and the Garden Route, and – as always – the people of the town have been hard at work preparing an exciting programme of entertainment and events just for you," she said.

Things to do
Ms Holm invited visitors and locals alike to visit the Information Office on the corner of Church and Market Streets (diagonally opposite the entrance to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex) to collect a free copy of the town's 'Things to do' brochure.

"It's a complete resource in handy pocket-book size that provides everything you need to know about where to go and what to do. Every entry is colour-coded to a simplified map to make it easy to plan your itineraries. So, for example, if you decide you want to go to the beach and do a game drive in the same day, you can quickly see which facilities are closest to one another by their colour codes."

Amongst other things, the 28-page booklet provides brief descriptions of the beaches (including the town's four Blue Flag beaches: Santos, De Bakke, Hartenbos, and Great Brak River) and other outdoor attractions – which range from scuba diving to tandem skydiving, and include sailing, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, angling, and much, much more.

"And if you're looking for something to do indoors – in the unlikely event of rain, say, or if you suddenly find yourself in dire need of an emergency beauty treatment – the brochure also includes information about indoor entertainment centres, museums, galleries, shopping malls and spas," said Ms Holm.

Entertainment
Mossel Bay has a well-earned reputation for its full and varied programme of summer entertainment.

"Please use the events page on our website - www.bit.ly/DoStuff - as your go-to resource for your daily diary of what's on in Mossel Bay," said Ms Holm.

The town's show venues including The Barn (which will feature shows like Barry Hilton, Just Jinjer, Chris Chameleon and Van Coke Cartel: www.thebarns.co.za/MosselBay), and the Bravo Lounge at the Garden Route Casino (Andriette Norman, David Fourie, Nianell, and others: www.gardenroutecasino.co.za) - and there's also the Monroe Theatre at the Déjà Vu Vintage House (Deja-Vu-Vintage-House on Facebook), which screens classic movies, and the Cine 123 cinemas at the Bayside Centre (www.visitmosselbay.co.za/entertainment/cine-1-2-and-3), which screens the latest releases.

"We also have a number of separate festivals for you to enjoy during this period - and quite honestly, the variety is bewildering," said Ms Holm.

The Diaz Summer Festival (www.diazsummerfest.co.za from 16 to 31 December) will include performances by Lianie May, Theuns Jordaan, Jakkals and Leeu, and others - as well as a programme of beach entertainment, games, and competitions, and the Diaz Strand Hotel and Resort's famous New Year's Eve Party.

The ATKV-Hartenbos' summer programme (www.atkvoorde.co.za 17 December to 8 January) will feature Arno Jordaan, Bok van Blerk, Steve Hofmeyr, Bobby van Jaarsveld, as well as Carols by Candlelight, touch rugby, a potjiekos competition, the ATKV/Die Burger Street Mile, and a New Year's Eve party.

The Bravo Festival at the Garden Route Casino (www.facebook.com/bravofees: 18 to 23 December, from 17:00 each evening) will feature Emo Adams, Peter Koenig, Hugo Ludik, Rynard Hugo, Nicholis Louw, Kurt Darren, Theuns Jordaan, Snotkop and Steve Hofmeyer.The Voorjaarsfees of art, drama, comedy, music, and children's theatre (see the calendar on www.visitmosselbay.co.za: 26 to 28 December) will take place in Great Brak River, and will feature Petronel Baard, Voldi George, and Stef Kruger – and proceeds will be donated to the Mossel Bay Advertiser's Oliver Twist Project.

Gift shopping
"Mossel Bay has some incredibly talented artists and crafters, so gift shopping is always a pleasure," said Ms Holm.
She suggested visits to the Craft Art Workshop - next door to Mossel Bay Tourism - and the indoor flea market at The Goods Shed on Bland Street (both at www.mosselbayart.co.za).

"Also look out for the various summertime craft markets, like the Mossel Bay Christmas and Craft Market at the Dutch Reformed Church, the Mossel Bay Night Market in Marsh Street, and the Hartenbos Night Market – all of which are listed on the calendar at www.visitmosselbay.co.za."

Safety
Ms Holm said that safety is the primary concern at this time of year. "The municipality coordinates a daily meeting of the emergency services and others at this time of the year, and this allows everyone to keep a finger on the pulse of what's happening in the town so that we can ensure that everyone enjoys a happy holiday season.

"Beach safety is one of our main concerns, of course, and Mossel Bay Tourism has created a page on the site specifically to instruct beach-goers in the golden rules of swimming in the sea, and in how to avoid rips in the ocean – and in what to do if you are caught in one. "Please make it a priority to go to www.bit.ly/mbBsafe and familiarise yourself with these important considerations before you go down to the water."A fill list of emergency services contact numbers is available at www.visitmosselbay.co.za/info/emergency-services.

Mossel Bay Tourism's information office (telephone 044 691 2202) will remain open every day of the week throughout the season - except on Christmas and New Year's Day.

"It's going to be a great summer, and we hope everyone enjoys their time in Mossel Bay," said Ms Holm
Be safe on Mossel Bay's beaches this summer: go to www.bit.ly/mbBsafe for the Five Golden Rules of swimming in the sea.


- Mossel Bay Advertiser

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Holiday Alert 2013/2014

Knysna water restrictions still in place 

KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Municipality reminds citizens that water restrictions remain in place. Even street numbers: 18:00 to19:00 on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Odd street numbers: 18:00 to 19:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

- Knysna-Plett Herald

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather, Emergency and Disaster Observation Holiday Alert 2013/2014 - NSRI (Sea Rescue) Emergency Numbers.

NSRI (Sea Rescue) Emergency Numbers

Saldhana Bay NSRI Emergency    022 714-1726

Cape Town NSRI Emergency         021 449-3500

Mossel Bay NSRI Emergency         044 604-6271

Port Elizabeth NSRI Emergency    041 507-1911

East London NSRI Emergency      043 700-2100

Durban NSRI Emergency                031 361-8567

Richard’s Bay NSRI Emergency    035 753-1991 /035 905-3401/3444

Craig Lambinon 082 380 3800

Meriel Bartlett 082 994 7555

Andrew Ingram 082 990 5977

We are available after hours should you require our assistance.

- NSRI

UPDATE: Mossel Bay Weather Observation Holiday Alert 2013/2014 - Mossel Bay: It's Blue Flag time again

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The 2013/2014 Blue Flag season kicked off this week at three of the four Mossel Bay beaches, which received this coveted status in October 2013.

The four beaches are Hartenbos and Santos, which became Blue Flag beaches five years ago; De Bakke, which gained the status last year; and Little Brak River, which achieved Blue Flag status for the first time for the 2013/2104 season.

Mossel Bay has the most Blue Flag beaches fully complying with all the criteria outside the Cape Town Metropole. Because of the cost of operating Blue Flag beaches, the majority of South Africa's 41 Blue Flag beaches are only operated as such in December and January annually.

Little Brak River will be operated as a Blue Flag beach from 13 December 2013 to 12 January 2014, while the other three beaches will be Blue Flag beaches until 30 January 2014.

In addition to people employed by the entrepreneurs teams, which clean the towns as well as beaches in the Mossel Bay municipal area on an ongoing basis, another 30 temporary jobs have been created for the Blue Flag season.

The municipality is receiving assistance this year in terms of the Department of Environmental Affairs' Working for the Coast programme. Several people are therefore employed at the Blue Flag beaches in terms of this programme as well.

The Blue Flag is an international eco-lable and quality standard, and beaches have to meet 32 strict coastal management criteria, which include water quality, environmental education programmes and information, environmental management, as well as safety and the quality and availability of facilities and services at the beach.

Blue Flag status has been awarded to 3 849 beaches and marinas across the world for the 2013/2014 season.


- Mossel Bay Advertiser

UPDATE: MOSSEL BAY WEATHER OBSERVATION HOLIDAY ALERT 2013/2014

The Pinnacle Conservation Team is looking forward to presenting this year's Blue Flag Beach Programme. Here are interns Kay Prinsloo, Nicky Wilmers and Ilzabé Pietersen. 

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - This year, the Mossel Bay Municipality's 'Blue Flag Beach Educational Programme' will be coordinated and implemented by the 2013 Pinnacle Conservation internship team.

Mr Edward Jantjies (Director Corporate Services – Mossel Bay Municipality) said, "We want to get the youth involved to make this Blue Flag educational event something that our holiday makers will all remember and benefit from."

Various Blue Flag Beach Environmental Education activities will be available at the four Blue Flag beaches, including Little Brak River; ATKV Hartenbos; De Bakke and Santos.

The WESSA Blue Flag Education programme has made possible through a generous sponsorship from the Mossel Bay Municipality. It will build on the pilot project that was run last year over the festive season. The programme will be implemented on a larger scale to provide an educational platform that will hopefully leave all beach goers with a safe and memorable experience.

The programme runs from 10 – 31 December, daily from 09:00 - 12:00. The activities have a direct focus on the beach and coastal environment, which is in line with the WESSA educational criteria. Participants in the daily programmes will also be given Blue Flag wrist bands.

The activities will focus on the importance of water safety, why water is life, and finally on different safe water recreational activities. Five water educational activities will be implemented by the Pinnacle Conservation student interns. This year, local Mossel Bay service providers will also join in the educational programme to bring the safety theme home. These include the NSRI (Sea Rescue) and Andries Dunn (surfing coach), who collectively will provide this year's Blue Flag Beaches Educational Outreaches Services.

The Pinnacle Conservation team thanks the Mossel Bay Municipality for making this WESSA Blue Flag educational programme possible. All activities will be offered to beach goers free of charge. For more information, contact Pinnacle Conservation office on 044 693 3164.

- Mossel Bay Advertiser

Mossel Bay WX, Emergency and Disaster Observation Holiday Alert 2013/2014

Image: Mossel Bay Harbour and Point  ( Click on image for larger view.)

The summer holiday season is fast approaching while many are making last minute arrangements to once again enjoy their well deserved holiday. However each year the holiday season has it's share of happiness and sadness. With the influx of holiday makers at various holiday destinations it is realistic to expect an increase in emergency incidents. Incidents from car accidents to drownings, aircraft accidents, ski-boat rescues, flooding, wind and fire damage etc. Apart from the trauma and sadness, these accidents place an extra burden on emergency services and other organizations.

Mossel Bay Weather Observation (MSBWX)  has decided to launch a holiday season project to draw the attention of the public to possible hazardous areas/events in and around holiday areas. Many of these incidents revolve around the weather. We will bring you news, statistics, weather observations, warnings, updates, general safety advisories, sea rescues, serious accidents, general rescues and photos of the latest happenings in many areas of the country.

The project will be known as: Mossel Bay WX, Emergency and Disaster Observation Holiday Alert 2013/2014

The public are invited to participate in the MSBWX Holiday Alert project by sending in reports of hazardous areas/events in and around holiday areas to MSBWX.
Send information to:
SMS, MMS messages to: 083 463 5125 (text messages only)

Email photos and information to: Click HERE

 MSBWX Twitter: https://twitter.com/MosselBayWX2013 or @MosselBayWX2013

Be sure to visit these pages regularly during the holiday season for special reports and advisories.