GAMTOOS VALLEY – A group of dedicated volunteers in the Gamtoos Valley has spent years patrolling local beaches and estuaries in an effort to protect marine life, assist authorities and help keep the coastline clean and safe for the community.

Volunteer patroller Colin McDonald said he moved to the Gamtoos Valley 17 years ago and soon noticed that the beaches were filled with white mussels.

He said that after reading a report conducted by Nelson Mandela University, he discovered that the white mussel population was rapidly declining and that once only 17% remained, the species would no longer be able to reproduce and could become extinct in the area.

“Upon discovering this, I realised the importance of protecting the coastline,” said Colin.

He said he then began patrolling the beach to monitor suspicious activity. Over the years, several people joined and left the patrol group.

The current volunteer patrol team consists of Colin, Ronald Varnfield, Jaco Boshoff and Ashley Stoltz, while Amanda Boshoff serves as the group’s first aider. Each patroller uses a quad bike registered specifically for beach patrol duties.

The group receives no outside funding and pays for all equipment, repairs and petrol from their own pockets. “Since we do not receive any outside funding, we pay for all necessary equipment, repairs and petrol ourselves. However, we do not mind because we believe that we are doing this as volunteers. We are interested in our area,” said Colin.

He said that they work closely with the South African Police Service during drowning incidents and report suspicious activities along the coast.

They also assist the National Sea Rescue Institute and work alongside the Kouga Local Municipality, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, and Bayworld, based in Gqeberha.

Colin said that they phone the authorities when they see any suspicious activity.

He further said the team monitors both the beach and estuary, covering a large stretch of coastline.

The group has also installed signs explaining the dos and don’ts of fishing, warning visitors not to disturb wild birds and encouraging beachgoers to pick up their rubbish before leaving.

Bins have also been placed in designated areas to encourage proper waste disposal, while pamphlets are distributed to educate people about responsible fishing practices.

“It is important for the community to work as a team. We want more people involved,” said Colin. “We do not want the neighbourhood to deteriorate.”

He added that the team carries a first aid kit during every patrol to assist with minor injuries when needed.

Jaco described the patrol team as an important support structure for authorities. “We are the eyes and ears on the beach,” said Jaco.

First aider Amanda said the group is seeking volunteers willing to provide free level one first aid training.

“Since the group consists of seniors, we only need level one first aid training and do not require intensive training,” said Amanda.

She said she provides general first aid assistance during incidents.

“With our first aid kit, I offer general first aid during incidents to assist before the authorities arrive on the scene,” said Amanda.

She further said that it is important for them to keep their neighbourhood safe.

“We cherish this area that is a piece of nature,” said Amanda.

For more information or to join the patrol team, contact Colin McDonald on 073 165 7664.

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