One step forward to take one back: "coastal retreat" in a phased approach at Milnerton Beachfront

On July 13, 2018, Cape Town experienced large swell that coincided with a spring high tide, resulting in a total water level of approximately 1.8 m above mean sea level (MSL). The beaches had suffered a significant amount of sand loss in the months leading up to these high sea levels on July 13. The culmination of these events (large waves, high tides and low beach sand levels) and the already long-standing vulnerability of this stretch of coastline has exposed both the City of Cape Town (CCT) and private infrastructure to the effects of severe wave action. This resulted in significant damage to the access ramp in front of the Milnerton Surf Lifesaving clubhouse, the stepped revetment coastal protection leading down to the beach (seating terrace), the access ramp adjacent to Milnerton Golf Club and the outside terrace of a private restaurant. While a drop in beach levels and steepening of the beach profile during winter months are part of a naturally occurring cycle in Cape Town, the extent to which beach sand levels dropped adjacent to the lighthouse in Milnerton was unprecedented.