A D V E N T U R E

BERG RIVER DAM

Access, Environmental & Water Safety Rules

Berg River Dam is a sensitive government waterworks site governed by Department of Water and Sanitation lease conditions and environmental controls.

Approved Water Activities

Canoeing, kayaking, SUP and other non-motorised paddling activities are permitted, subject to weather and operational conditions.

Before Entering or Launching

All visitors must:

• Enter through authorised access points

• Register and pay the applicable access fee

• Use designated parking and launch areas

• Follow staff instructions and access restrictions

• Leave an emergency contact number at the ARC Reception Guardhouse

Water Safety

• A properly fitted life jacket is compulsory

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the water

• No alcohol or drugs before or during paddling

• Do not launch in strong wind or unsafe conditions

• Tell someone your route and expected return time

• Dogs must remain under control; owners are responsible for their safety

Strictly Prohibited

• Trespassing or entering restricted areas

• Driving or parking within the dam basin or along the shoreline

• Launching from unauthorised areas

• Littering, environmental disturbance or washing equipment in the dam

These rules protect water quality, biodiversity and the safety of all visitors.

Enjoy the dam. Respect the water. Get home safely.

ARC reserves the right to refuse or revoke access, or stop any activity considered unsafe or non-compliant.

All visitors enter and participate entirely at their own risk.

Berg River Dam is a sensitive government waterworks environment managed under Department of Water and Sanitation lease conditions, environmental legislation and operational controls.

All land-based recreational and access activities are subject to:

• site regulations;

• environmental protection measures;

• safety protocols;

• controlled access requirements;

• and operational management procedures.

APPROVED ACTIVITIES

• Walking and hiking on designated trails

• Mountain biking on approved routes

• Trail running

• Picnicking in designated areas

• Guided recreational activities

• Conservation and educational activities

• Authorised tourism and eco-tourism activities

(subject to operational conditions, weather and management approval)

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

All visitors must:

• enter through authorised access points;

• register upon arrival where applicable;

• pay applicable access fees;

• comply with staff instructions and zoning controls;

• remain on designated roads, trails and activity areas;

• park in designated parking areas only;

• respect environmental and operational restrictions at all times.

STRICTLY PROHIBITED

• Trespassing

• Unauthorised off-road driving

• Driving within restricted dam basin areas

• Creation of informal trails or access routes

• Environmental disturbance or habitat destruction

• Removal or damage of vegetation, infrastructure or signage

• Littering or illegal dumping

• Open fires outside designated areas

• Unauthorised camping or overnight stays

• Accessing restricted operational or conservation areas

• Illegal hunting, trapping or harvesting of flora or fauna

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Berg River Dam forms part of a strategic national water resource and environmentally sensitive landscape. Access controls and environmental rules exist to:

• protect water quality;

• prevent erosion and land degradation;

• preserve biodiversity and sensitive fynbos ecosystems;

• reduce wildfire and contamination risks;

• protect infrastructure and operational areas;

• and ensure safe recreational use for all visitors.

RIGHT OF ACCESS

Management reserves the right to refuse, restrict or revoke access to any person not complying with site regulations, environmental requirements or lawful instructions.

All visitors enter and use the area entirely at own risk.