As Level 4 restrictions have allowed for exercise enthusiasts across the country to take to the streets for three hours every day, many surfers and other water sport-lovers feel their plight is going unconsidered.
Groups of surfers took to beaches around Cape Town today [May 5] during the exercise window to peacefully protest and urge the government to let them back in the water.
They argue surfing is the perfect form of social distancing exercise and that if people are allowed to walk, jog and walk their animals, surfers should be allowed to return to the water.
Keeping social distancing in mind and while wearing masks, surfers visited beaches across Cape Town and stood in silent protest.
In some areas, protestors were warned by police that they would be arrested if they stood still, so many resorted to walking up and down the beachfront to continue their protest.
In one incident police attempted to arrest a surfer who then took off on his bicycle and was pursued by police. Arrests have since been made in some areas including Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg.
Take a look at what the #BackInTheWater protest looked like in Cape Town today:
View this post on Instagram
#backinthewater #when Pretty Peaceful Protest… even the Army arrived with their guns !
Live from Surfer’s Corner:
Surfer protesting for right to surf is placed under arrest by police.
But then makes daring getaway on bicycle.
Police give chase at speed.
WATCH:@News24 @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/zMaGJbrG7B
— MURRAY WILLIAMS (@NoSurrenderRSA) May 5, 2020
#level4lockdown #SouthAfrica #protests #BackInTheWater https://t.co/uzQ3W3Ixd6
— Zenzo L (@ZenzoLusengo) May 5, 2020
Live update from Surfer’s Corner:
Peaceful protesters standing alongside the beach – #BackInTheWater
Now told by police to “keep moving” – otherwise their presence will not be classified as “exercise”.
WATCH:@News24 @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/i5fVAEKQeo
— MURRAY WILLIAMS (@NoSurrenderRSA) May 5, 2020
Picture: Twitter