Island Etiquette & Safety
Though its residents are generally a pretty relaxed and friendly bunch, considering The Island's population swells from less than 40 people during the year to close to 800 during the peak summer season (no kidding!), there are a few "rules" that are commonly observed to make for mutual enjoyment of this little piece of paradise which is our home.
The Bridge
Vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and their four-legged friends all share the narrow single-lane bridge which connects The Island to the mainland (there are small step-outs for pedestrians who may find themselves on the bridge at the same time as a vehicle). As indicated by the sign on the right-hand side of the bridge, drivers approaching The Island from the mainland should yield to any vehicles queued up on The Island side of the bridge before proceeding with care. Please note the posted maximum weight is 2 metric tonnes (the average passenger car weighs approximately 1.3 tonnes). For first time visitors, crossing the bridge doesn't have to be exciting (unless you want to scrape your vehicle and knock down the bridge railings). I suggest checking out this handy how-to guide to crossing the bridge like a pro.
Speed limit
The speed limit on The Island (and the bridge) is a mere 20 km/hour. Yes, it's very s-l-o-w. You may find this mantra helps: "I'm on vacation, I've left my city worries behind, I am in paradise, I'm relaxed...". Despite the exclamations from those beside you or in the back seat, the waves and the fish will still be there (or not) if you take it easy, trust us. Seriously though, no one wants to see a youngster or oldster knocked down, right?
Visitor Parking
Visitors to The Island are requested to leave residents' driveways and beach access lanes clear (the latter being particularly important so that First Responders have unobstructed passage to the beach in the event of an emergency). The sign to the left of the bridge indicates areas designated for visitor parking.
Siren & Evacuation
Every Friday at 2:00 p.m. there is a brief test of the emergency siren. In the event of a real emergency warranting evacuation of The Island, the siren will sound continuously. There is an assembly point on the side of the bridge on Morrison Road just past the Dolphin's Creek Golf Estate towards Hersham.
Refuse & Recycling
Household refuse (only - no tree trimmings, etc.) must be placed in black plastic bags. These are collected by the Municipality around 7:30 a.m. each Monday morning. The same day, a separate company picks up paper, plastics, metal and glass for recycling and provide blue bags for this purpose. If you need extra blue bags, please contact the recycling company on 044 697-7090. The Municipality may be reached at 044 606-5143.
Dogs
Dog owners are reminded of their responsibility to keep their pets under control and to pick up after them. Boxes with plastic bags have been supplied. No one likes to have to dodge dogs' dirty business while wandering around barefoot and blissful!
Power Boating
Power Boating is only permitted between the Railway Bridge at Morrison Road and the Charles Street Bridges in the village, not around The Island itself or between the Railway Bridge and the river mouth. There is no boat launching facility on The Island (there is one opposite the SAPS Station on Long Street in the village), but your boat and trailer, together with your vehicle will put you over Island bridge's 2 tonne weight limit (and you won't fit without scraping along the sides or knocking out railings anyway...).
Fishing
Licences are required for fishing, as well as for bait & shellfish collecting (including pumping of prawns, for which there is a daily 50-bag limit), and for the use of throw- or cast-nets. These may be obtained from the Great Brak Post Office in the village.