Recreational Areas

9. Recreational Areas

9.1 Rules for Using the Lagoon and Beach

The Noetzie lagoon and beach are primary recreational areas within the conservancy, open to all members of the public .To ensure a harmonious environment for everyone, the following rules apply:

• No Powered Craft: The use of powered watercraft, such as motorboats or jet skis, is not permitted on the Noetzie River and lagoon .

• Sailing and Windsurfing: Sailing boats and windsurfers are allowed, but they should avoid the area directly adjacent to the beach to prioritize swimmer safety .

• Swimmer Priority: Swimmers have the right of way at all times, and boaters must be mindful of their presence .

• Private Boats: When not in use, privately owned boats must be stored on the owner's property .

• No Fires: Open fires are strictly prohibited on the beach area .

• Waste Disposal: All refuse must be placed in the provided bins or, preferably, removed from Noetzie entirely .

• Toilet Facilities: Municipal toilet facilities are available at the estuary mouth and must be kept clean and litter-free .

9.2 Restrictions on Activities and Noise Pollution

To maintain the tranquility of the Noetzie environment and protect wildlife, certain activities are restricted:

• Overnight Stays: Camping or staying overnight on the beach or in the adjacent forest areas is not allowed .

• Noise Pollution: Loud noise, amplified music, and fireworks are prohibited to minimize disturbance to residents and wildlife .

• Generator Usage: Residential generators should be equipped with silencers and turned off between 21:00 and 08:00 .

• Estate Agent Signboards: Estate agents must comply with legal requirements for signboard placement, ensuring they are off the road reserve, within the relevant property, and adhere to size restrictions . Agents must also inform potential buyers about access and service restrictions to avoid misleading information .

9.3 Information on the Sinclair Nature Reserve

The entire eastern bank of the Noetzie River is a designated South African National Parks (SANParks) Nature Reserve .Access to the reserve requires a permit, which can be obtained from the SANParks office in Knysna . Activities such as fires, bringing dogs, firearms, and camping are strictly prohibited within the Nature Reserve .