Vigies Requins Renforcées
The Reinforced Shark Lookouts security system is based on the surveillance of a surfing area (and similar activities) by a group of lookout swimmers coordinated by a management team, supported by technological means (underwater and airborne cameras). ), resources on land (tent, rescue, etc.) and navigation resources (2 boats). It is an iti-
-nantant which is deployed on a practice site (among 7 sites) in the municipalities of Saint-Paul, Trois-Bassins and Etang Salé. This device was created in January 2015 by the association La Ligue Réunionnaise de Surf (LRS). It succeeded the Shark Monitoring system initiated and tested in 2012.
The Reinforced Shark Lookouts system was built and continuously improved by experts in their field: freedivers, surfers, divers, defense experts, etc. VRR thus combines coordinated visual surveillance with technological tools that improve the field of action of human operators, their observation capacity, their communication capacity to alert, evacuate and quickly rescue in the event of an accident. The device has been the subject of scientific evaluations. It is established and governed by prefectural and municipal decrees.
It is therefore a question of establishing a protocol for observing surf spots in order to detect the presence of sharks and to alert surfers. This protocol is reinforced by innovative technological tools as part of the operational implementation of VRR and is part of the overall shark risk reduction plan in Reunion.Without their deployments it is forbidden to surf.
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Observe: active and underwater observation using video surveillance and lookouts.
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Alert: triggering of audible (fog horn, whistles) and visual (smoke) signals in the event of observation or contact with a potentially dangerous animal.
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Evacuate: organization of evacuation of the area after an alert
After years of experimentation, this system is now open to schools and the public under certain conditions.By taking a course you will be covered by the school's insurance and will not have any other formalities to complete.
If you want to surf independently you will need a federal license (insurance) which you can take at a surf club like theRSC.
Once licensed, you will need to completea moral commitment contract, an information sheet, and pay a
annual contribution of 50 euros. All of these documents must be submitted during your first supervised session to the VRR manager present on the site.
Opening Time
The shark lookouts are open every day all year round subject to good weather conditions for good visibility underwater.
Opening time
Monday: 9am-3pm
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Water Patrol
The Water Patrol EPI safety system involves the deployment of human, material and technological resources by superimposing five defensive curtains close to surfing areas.
Initiated by Saint Leu town council back in 2014 and the association support Leu Tropical Surf Team (LTST), the device aims to carry a shark risk reduction device to enable sea users to practice their sport in a supervised and safe manner. The system is currently deployed in the Saint-Leu commune. It has been officially operational since March 2021 and is supported by the Centre Sécurité Requin, the Region, the Département and the DMSOI. They are also working in partnership with Kelonia and Reef Check Foundation.
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1st curtain:
Programme Réunionnais de Pêche de Prévention (PR2P) - the deployment of targeted night fishing gear using Vertical Longline with Catch Alert (PAVAC). This action can be reinforced by the deployment of daytime fishing gear, depending on weather conditions or sightings of targeted species.
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2nd curtain:
Environmental weather conditions linked to wave conditions and vertical and horizontal visibility, which must be at least 8m.
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3rd curtain:
The Water Patrol - visual surveillance of the surface and seabed, with the deployment of a jet-ski patrol and the presence of a medical boat for communication between the base and practitioners, for immediate intervention in the event of an accident.
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4th curtain :
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as electric repellents worn by riders. The SharkShield Freedom + Surf 7 and RPELA 2 models are recommended by the Centre Sécurité Requin.
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5th curtain:
Communication and prevention through the implementation of a risk level scale (environmental conditions) shared with users via flags in the area, bulletins or vigilance alerts in the event of a proven risk.
To surf with complete peace of mind on Saint-Leu's spots, which are defined as ZONe EXpérimentale (ZONEX) de Saint-Leu, there are a few rules to follow:
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Fill in the “ZONEX LTST” form: download here
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Register with the Water Patrol before each surf session
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Wear a personal Electric Repulsion Device in good working order.
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Be a member of a French Surfing Federation club
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Respect the Water Patrol's instructions
Opening Time
The shark lookouts are open every day all year round subject to good weather conditions for good visibility underwater.
Opening time
Monday: 9am-3pm
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.