Following a recent article here about the range of actions taken by the regional government of Reunion to safeguard swimmers, snorkelers, divers and surfers from a sudden shark attack have now additional measures been added to make the beaches of Reunion safe.
On the 29th of April was for the first time ever, at the beaches of Roches Noires off Saint Gilles les Baines a new device deployed which will monitor the waters so that Reunion’s top surfers can train undisturbed. Two zodiac boats with four spotters using seabed surveillance equipment are supplemented by submerged cameras allowing immediate reaction should a shark be spotted in the area designated for surfing.
Once the trial phase is completed and the results have been analysed and scientifically interpreted will more beaches see such equipment deployed. Once that has been accomplished will specific areas be designated for surfing activities and training while non designated areas will remain off limits.
A total of 28 spotters, boatmen and equipment monitors have been recruited and were trained for over six weeks with a specially designed course content including safety and emergency, marine biology and environmental topics.
While it is hoped that several beaches can be opened up for surfing over the coming weeks has it been confirmed that by September a barrier of safety nets will have been installed at Roches Noires and Boucan Canot, the two best surfing beaches on the island.
