Page 47 - Bulletin 17 2013

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Kalk Bay

The foreshore from Dalebrook southwards to Kalk Bay Point, though rocky, had a more

gradual slope and broader and longer stretches of sand. Bathing was possible in many
places including Fishery Beach but this area was monopolised by boats, fish cleaning etc.

and the water was often polluted. Instead, swimmers took to the rock pools and gullies
near the station, one of which became known as Bishop’s Pool because it was here that

Bishop Gray bathed during his stays at Kalk Bay in the 1860s. (Figs. 1.47 – 1.50.) In

1907 there were still no public bathing facilities.

Official Guide Book and Souvenir Cape Gala (1907 – 08) Season, 1907: 146

Kalk Bay is less dependent upon the summer resident than either St. James or
Muizenberg, for it has a permanent population chiefly interested in the fishing industry. A
little bay near the station affords shelter for the boats, and a large number of coloured
fishermen live on the hill side, to the left of the station. Nearer to Capetown are several
churches, and one or two substantial residences; while about half a mile from the station
in the direction of Simon’s Town is a favourite part of the village for visitors. The beach
at Kalk Bay is not so good or safe as that of Muizenberg by a long way; but there are
some sheltered coves, while immediately behind the station is a bathing box and a very
decent piece of swimming water. This, of course, is warm like that of Muizenberg; while
the rocks afford great amusement to children, or those who can enjoy a quiet corner with
a book to read. On the whole, though, it cannot be said that the visitor is likely to prefer
Kalk Bay to Muizenberg; the latter place has the advantage of better accommodation
besides the other things mentioned.

In 1908 Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Bathing Screens, hangers, shower baths, and floor-mats
were provided. Further investments were made here during the subsequent decades and

large areas of the natural rock surfaces and original beach eventually vanished from view.

Cape Argus, 15 December, 1911.

At Kalk Bay the Municipal Council have also made considerable improvements.
The new bathing pool is nearly finished, and the bathing pavilion is already open to the
public. This is a neat, useful structure, and although not of anything like the proportions
of the pavilion at Muizenberg, still its erection is greatly appreciated by the ratepayers
and visitors. As it was with the larger building, so it is with this. After the Muizenberg