The silly season of holiday is upon us. We can all agree that for us our river is the best escape after a long year of responsibilities. The rural setting, from the start of the dirt road turnoff, to the winding, somehow rough terrain to ample holiday houses scattered along the Westbank of the Breede River draws more visitors year on year.
For some it is the tranquil atmosphere they yearn, for others the sun-filled days on the river just boating or skiing, tubing, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing.
Whatever the reason for your visit, please enjoy whatever the Breederiver has to offer, in a responsible manner, on land or on water. Below are some guidelines for those not in the know. Always treat your neighbour with respect…it will make for a wonderful holiday experience!
Roads
- Once you leave the N2, towards Malgas/Infanta, you are travelling on gravel road.
- Please ensure you are travelling on the MR268 (from Cape Town), as Google maps might detour you through inaccessible farmlands.
- The speed limit is 80km/h.
- Slow down for oncoming vehicles. Show courtesy.
Spring Tides
- Spring tides rise and fall over 2 metres.
- Please take note that the Breede River is tidal. If you use the Witsand tide table, add 2.5 hours for it to reach Malagas at the Pont.
- Easter: Flood water can rise a further 7 metres in constricted areas. Please place equipment and boats above the floodline after your Easter Holiday.
- Secure your jetties.
Boating
- Show consideration to others on and in the river at all times. Do unto others…..
- Keep to the right and turn in an anticlockwise direction.
- Pass an approaching boat to your right and leave safe margins at all times.
- Keep a safe distance from banks, canoes, swimmers and moored or stationary boats. Slow down when approaching.
- Small children should wear life jackets on and in the water.
- Jet ski’s and jet-propelled craft are not permitted on the river.
- Kindly ensure you comply with all licensing requirements.
Water Skiing
- All the boating rules apply to water skiing, especially keeping right and moving in an anticlockwise direction.
- No pilots under 16 years please.
- Not less than two persons in a boat engaged in skiing – mandatory during high season and holidays.
- All skiers to wear life jackets, irrespective of proficiency.
- Use a red flag to signal a skier in the water – retrieve unused ski rope.
- Please be considerate about the times you choose for skiing and tubing.
Fishing
- Kindly ensure you are in possession of and comply with all permit requirements.
- The Breede is a breeding ground/ nursery for many fish species. Please fish responsibly.
- There is a night fish ban. No persons may fish from a vessel or the shore in the Estuary between the hours of 20:30 and 05:00 of the following day.
Fire
- Fire Brigade? There isn’t one!
- Take care when storing petrol and gas.
- Make sure that all fires are properly extinguished.
- Clear around your house and braai place from time to time.
- Ensure you have the contact information of the local Disaster Management Team.
Vegetation
- Milkwood, Yellowood and Aloe are protected species and may not be damaged or removed without a permit.
- It is unlawful to clear, plough or alter any indigenous Renosterveld habitat.
Hunting
- The river has the same legal status as a proclaimed National Road.
- No hunting may be done along its banks.
Noise
- Generator/Pumps/Lawnmowers/Weedeaters:
- We all know maintenance also needs to be done, but please consider your neighbours.
- Motorcycles/Quadbikes/Drones:
- Most roads, when turning off the Malgas/Infanta Main Road MR268, are private roads. Please refrain from joyriding through and across private properties.
Refuse
- One person’s waste is another’s resource, release this and all waste becomes a different form of currency that can be used.
- Refuse is not collected at properties and visitors are required to remove their refuse to collection points provided.
- Refuse/Recycling Drop-off Sites:
- Malagas https://maps.app.goo.gl/RWodkx9qwfmw2C6K6
- Matjieskloof https://maps.app.goo.gl/dXZ71i9qmbtYuueG8
- The refuse dumps are for household refuse and recycling only – please use black and clear bags respectively.
Talk to your visitors about River Awareness.
Display this notice in a clear plastic sleeve where all can see it (you can download and print a copy).
Above all – enjoy!!