Residents are being encouraged to join the new Beachfront Foot Beat, a community initiative aimed at promoting safety while giving people an opportunity to socialise and exercise along the Table View beachfront.

A collaboration between Table View Neighbourhood Watch and the Table View Community Police Forum (CPF), the initiative invites the public to join a walk along the beachfront every second Monday evening.

David Harris, chair of the Table View CPF, said the initiative was launched to create an opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors in a fun and safe environment.

“The walk is open to any member of the public and if it encourages people to join a Neighbourhood Watch it is a positive,” said Harris.

Visible presence along the beachfront

The foot beat currently covers the stretch between KFC in Marine Circle and Doodles. Participants meet at 18:30 in the parking area opposite KFC, also known as the Kite Beach parking lot in Bloubergstrand.

Harris said organisers hoped that having people walking together in large numbers would contribute to a safer beachfront environment.

“We believe that the large numbers participating in itself will ensure safety and Neighbourhood Watch and CPF members will be clearly visible,” he said.

Although the police is not formally involved in the initiative, police members are welcome to participate in the walks.

Walks open to the public

The initiative also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the two organisations and encourage greater community involvement in local safety efforts.

Residents do not need to belong to a neighbourhood watch to participate. The walks are open to everyone, and the organisers are promoting them through various Facebook pages and community street groups.

Dog owners are also welcome to bring their dogs, provided they are socialised and kept on a leash at all times.

When and where to join

The Beachfront Foot Beat takes place every second Monday at 18:30. Participants meet at the parking area opposite KFC in Marine Circle, also known as the Kite Beach parking lot.

The next walks are scheduled for October 19, November 2, November 16 and November 30. Residents are encouraged to join the initiative and help build a more visible community presence along the beachfront.

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