With safety as one of its main focuses, a new initiative is making waves along the Big Bay coastline.
The Big Bay Surf Camera has been a year in planning and went live on Christmas Day last year.
Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, located at Big Bay Beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Whether you are hoping to catch a wave, exploit the wind in an exhilarating kite- or windsurfing session, tick the Robben Island swim off your bucket list or simply enjoy the beach with your family, the lifeguards will look after your safety in the water, as well as on the beach.
Christmas Day was a special day for many of their members, says Jacques Loubser, a member of the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, who is in charge of the initiative.
“We pushed to deliver a gift to our members and the community to enjoy,” he says.
“We are community focussed and want not only to promote our club, but the beautiful Big Bay we call home. As a lifesaving club we are completely self-sufficient. We therefore need to generate our own income to enable the club to provide and maintain all our safety and training craft. This comes at a substantial cost of which we try to minimise the expenses on our members,” he says.
Safety, community and funds
Loubser says the plan for the camera was based on three factors – safety, community and funds.
“With regards to safety, lifesaving is all about quick response to save lives – time matters. The camera enables us to respond faster with remote scanning by reducing the time from receiving a distress call (versus) physically having to be on sight to observe and respond.”
The club is also aiming to further use technology to enhance the potential of the camera.
“Community: We want everyone to be able to connect and see our beautiful beach. The camera has opened a channel for not only our ocean surf enthusiasts to enjoy, but for any family that wishes to pop down to the beach knowing what the conditions are,” he says.
Since the launch of the live feed, their analytics have shown interest around the globe.
He told TygerBurger the camera has enabled more traffic through their website with the aim to promote not only lifesaving but also the venue they have available for hire.
“As a club and many other clubs, we are self-sufficient, and rely on income we generate to ensure we have safety equipment that is up to spec to save a life as well as providing our community the opportunity to be part of what I believe is the best all round sport in the world.”
He says they have been very blessed with support in terms of internet connectivity from RSA Web, as well as Wicked Web for IT support.
“The camera was generously sponsored by an undisclosed entity.”
The feeds are monitored by Wicked Web’s Tertius Nel, a proud parent to one of the lifeguards.
Nel ensures the club stays compliant and that the system operates seamlessly.
Loubser says in the case of a police investigation, their system records the data which is available to the police. as well as security partners.
“All POPIA compliance is adhered to,” he says.
More about the club
Voluntary lifeguards patrol the beach from the first weekend in November until after the Easter weekend on Saturdays from 14:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.
Big Bay lifeguards are also available to provide lifesaving duty at the beaches of Melkbosstrand and Silwerstroom.
“If you come down to the Big Bay beach on a Friday evening or Sunday morning, you will see our lifeguards participate in rigorous beach and water training.
“Several of our lifeguards are top athletes in disciplines such as swimming, surfing, surfskiing and running.”
Most of the lifeguards joined the club as micro nippers (5 to 7) or nippers (8 to 14) and have been training for many years.
“We are a family-orientated club where the focus is on delivering a community service in a fun environment where camaraderie is a core value.”
For more information visit www.bigbaylifesaving.co.za to enjoy unlimited access to their live camera feeds.
