Officials battle to keep bathers out of the water in False Bay

By Khanyisa Tabata
13 January 2010

While a heat wave pounds the Cape Peninsula with temperatures well into the thirties, many people are ignoring shark warnings and are flocking to the beaches to cool off.

Officials say the almost continuous wailing of the warning sirens at Fish Hoek has kept most swimmers out of the water, but there are a few who venture in up to their knees.

DRC tourist 37-year-old Lloyd Skinner was taken by a Great White at Fish Hoek in waist deep water yesterday. Only his swimming goggles have been found.

Officials say the beaches will remain officially closed until it is safe to go into the water again.

Western Cape MEC responsible for tourism Alan Winde says the Province is doing everything in its power to ease the grief and pain of Skinner’s family.

Winde says that while there is little one can do to ease the emotional pain, his department will assist the family with logistical matters.