Many months ago I was a fiery advocate for a small boat launch on the False Bay coast, between Muizenberg and Strandfontein, as the nearest was the Miller’s Point boat launch and Gordon’s Bay, a distance away.
I tried to get a safe small boat launch at the existing Strandfontein NSRI station, but this was shot down like a seagull flying low over a battery of Stalin Organ missile launchers.
I was given legislation as to why other small boats could not share this extremely safe launch.
I was also told at a meeting that there were plans to have a small boat launch at San Wabi near Muizenberg, almost opposite the Muizenberg dumping site entrance.
l was excited about this project in the pipeline and I on occasion almost pestered the beach amenities director on the progress.
Finally, a few months ago I was told that San Wabi Beach was now officially a small boat launch.
I was made aware by many fishermen that to launch at this site, it must be a calm day with a north wind blowing; in other words, flat seas.
My son Morne, a friend and I did that and with great difficulty, the rubber duck was launched. During these flat seas, the rubber duck almost capsized.
On Saturday, my son and a friend launched again while I stood on the beach. To my horror, a small wave knocked the rubber duck over and sent my son and his friend flying into the sea. Thank God it was close to shore and they made it back.
As I stood on that beach, I realised that this dream of a small-boat launch was a nightmare as there was no breakwater to tame even flat waves, nor had the City made a launch pad of concrete.
We were given this spot without total safety for boats and their crew. After almost twice losing my son, I’m demanding that a full investigation be done, with an emphasis on safety.
I suggest this launch pad be closed and a review be done of the Strandfontein NSRI boat launch pad, which is protected by the protruding wall of the tidal pool – a sort of breakwater wall – which is why NSRI boats can launch in calm waters. If there is a legal issue, then a launch pad must be made next to the NSRI base.
When I shared with a senior NSRI official what had transpired, he stated that the coast is extremely dangerous and people needed a special course to launch.
Give us a safer, better and decent small boat launch pad – we do not want to drown at San Wabi.
* Keith Alfred Adolph Blake, Ottery.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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