SANParks released a video to its Garden Route National Park social media group, outlining safety tips and regulations in the reserve over the festive season.
In the video Megan Taplin, Reserve Manager for the Knysna sections of the park, runs through the regulations for holidaymakers making use of the Knysna Estuary.
‘We want to ensure that everyone adheres to the regulations so that we can protect the environment, which is the most biodiverse estuary in the country, and so that we can ensure everyone is safe and enjoys their festive season,’ Taplin explained.
Be sure to adhere to these rules:
- Ensure you have the correct permits for your vessel
- Ensure you have the correct skipper’s licence for your vessel. If not, you should be accompanied by a competent adult
- Be aware of and adhere to the different zones in the Estuary for certain users: jet skis are permitted at the Bay of Biscay, and waterskiing may take place in the Bay and the main channel
- Safety regulations require that water skiers are monitored by a skipper and observer older than 12 years of age
- Ensure you have the correct permits for fishing and collecting
- Make sure you know where you’re permitted to collect bait
In addition to these important safety and conservation regulations, Taplin urged all users of the Estuary to comply with instructions issued by SANParks rangers who will be on patrol and will check vessels to ensure safety.
Image: Welcome Lishivha
