Walking on the beach can feel relaxing, grounding and invigorating with the sound of the waves and fresh air. This routine can help you clear your mind and feel more relaxed.
With the pollution that prevails on the beaches now, it is no longer a pleasure to walk there. Residents of Hermanus are also shocked by the amount of dog poo on the beach, especially Grotto Beach.
“Many people believe that leaving dog poo on the beach is OK because the tide washes it away . . . it’s not. Bacteria present in dog poo is potentially harmful to beach users and can affect water quality. Pick up your dog poo and bin it to protect your beach,” one reader said.
There are many residents who use their own time and money to keep the beaches clean. One of them is Delia Scott who regularly walks on Grotto Beach. “It’s shocking to see how much rubbish I pick up when I walk there. Can’t there be more bins on the beaches?” she wanted to know.
The Overstrand Municipality also said that with the holiday season approaching it is essential to stick to the rules especially when you walk with your dogs on the beach.
“Residents are reminded to keep their dogs on leashes in public areas, including the beaches, coastal paths and the walking trail along the banks of the Klein River,” the OM Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill said. “Please make sure to keep dogs on designated trails, respect the rules and be considerate to other users.
“Note that public spaces include any beach, road, path, bridge, footpath or garden; and any other place under the control of the municipality,” he said.
“Dog owners making use of Overstrand’s beaches that earned Blue Flag status – Grotto and Kleinmond main beaches – must respect the stipulation that no dogs will be allowed on these beaches whilst the Blue Flag is flying (normally from 09:00 to 18:00). Pet owners are also requested not to bury dog poop in the sand or throw it out to sea. They are required to clean up after their dogs and to dispose of poop bags in the correct bins.”
The OM also reminds the public that Fernkloof is a bin-free zone.
“Those who enjoy hiking along the reserve’s cliff and contour paths in Hermanus, or love picnicking in the gardens, should take note that the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is in the process of becoming bin-free.
“While a few bins will remain along the Cliff Path and at the three dams, bins will be removed from Hoy’s Koppie and inside the Fernkloof Gardens. In short, no litter bins will be provided: Not in picnic areas, nor along paths or trails. Signboards will be updated as the project progresses.”