As we emerge from winter, it is a shock to the system to realise that the big parties in St Francis start in 6 weeks. It seems like just the other day, we were getting kids ready for school’s first day of the year. It seemed like yesterday when we were planning our year, telling ourselves how this would be the best year ever, that our post-COVID life would be like the Roaring Twenties after WW1. How did that turn out?
A jol similar to Billy’s Beach
Accommodation is pretty much all booked out, and the restaurants are gearing up for what is bound to be a great season. The retail outlets are also stocking up and getting their systems finely tuned to deal with any sudden rush.
There will be some problems – there always are, and the lack of beaches in St Francis Bay results in quite a big crew heading over to Seals daily, so it gets pretty busy over there. There are also so many dogs around, and the amount of dog poop left on the beaches daily is quite astonishing.
The big difference is that Cape St Francis is a Blue Flag Beach this year, and there will be new regulations in place.
The BLUE FLAG BEACH CRITERIA AND EXPLANATORY NOTES of 2020, as explained by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is thus:
‘Access to the beach by dogs and other domestic animals must be strictly controlled.
Dogs or pets other than assistance dogs are not allowed on a Blue Flag beach or in the Blue Flag area if it is part of a larger beach.
If the presence of pets is permitted by local and national legislation, animals are only allowed in parking areas,
walkways and promenades in the inland beach area.’
At the time of publishing, the above extract could not be verified, and the rules might be stricter or more relaxed these days. Kouga Municipality will distribute a media release about the Blue Flag beach situation shortly.
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Disclaimer: One of the Sunday Times’ golden rules of early morning publishing is not mentioning poop. Back in my youth, when I was a stringer for the Times, it was drummed into my head by my editor. In this case, it couldn’t be helped. Apologies in advance if I ruined your coffee, all bran flakes etc
I have just returned from the UK where they are dog crazy. Everyone carries poop bags. The reason this system works is two fold:
there are sufficient poop bins to deposit the bags and dog walkers hold each other responsible for following the rules. Poop on the beaches is disgusting but maybe we can try raise awareness before outright bans?
Hi Alyson – I think that the system where dog walkers hold each other responsible is possibly the best way forward. I’m not sure about an outright ban, we are waiting for the KLM statement on Blue Flag rules.
Rules are fine as long as people adhere to them. Would be nice to see but unfortunately it probably won’t be the case.
Fines for littering and not collecting dog faeces could also be instated but again probably no compliance. I appreciate it would incur a cost to manage. Shame as the few spoil it for the many. Anyway, happy holidays and let’s enjoy this beautiful place while giving thought to those around us.
Hi Lynn. Thanks for the feedback. I stand to be corrected but when a beach has Blue Flag status, there are some management costs that the KLM are responsible for. When they release their statement on Blue Flag guidelines we can see exactly how this will be managed.
Great that the dog poop saga has been high lighted again. Maybe with the Blue Flag status, dog owners will be more accountable to each other. Living in hope…