Perception of ecological impacts of water-based recreation activities among recreators at St. Lucia Lake in South Africa

This study focuses on perception of ecological impacts of water-based recreation activities at St Lucia Lake in South Africa. Many people are attracted to the coastal recreational areas. This increased interest in water-based recreation activities, especially among Blacks in South Africa, has its roots in the previous disparities in the provision of recreation facilities and resources in general. Water-based recreation activities, with the exception of swimming, have in the past been regarded as “elitist” and could only be taken advantage of by the few who could afford them and also who “by right” could utilize those facilities. An increase in participation in recreation activities in St Lucia Lake and elsewhere increases the risk of environmental degradation. The risk is even more serious if the recreators are not aware of the impacts which result from their own participation in water based recreation activities on the resource as well as impacts on other recreators. Their awareness influences the way they perceive ecological impacts and general satisfaction with their recreation experiences at the resource.; The fundamental objectives of the study were to determine: (a) recreators' perceptions towards the presence of other recreators at St Lucia Lake; (b) recreators' perceptions towards satisfaction with recreation experiences; (c) recreators' perception and awareness of ecological impacts resulting from participation in water-based recreation activities; (d) recreators' perception towards the awareness of the effects of using the natural environment for recreation purposes; and (e) recreators' perceptions and commitment towards the protection of the lake from impacts which result from water-based recreation activities. A closely related objective of the study was to explain the differences in perceptions in terms of the socio-economic and cultural differences among the recreators.; The findings confirm that recreators who are aware and have knowledge of general ecological issues are also more sensitive to the effects of using the natural environment for recreation purposes and of their own participation in water-based recreation activities. The findings of the study also revealed that the respondents had a negative attitude towards the presence of other recreators at the resource, however, they were satisfied with their recreation experiences. Most recreators expressed that they wish to visit St Lucia Lake again.; The results of the study have important implications for planning and management of recreation facilities at St Lucia Lake. They highlight the importance of awareness programs, to make “new comers” conscious of water-based recreation activities and facilities and, in addition, to bring awareness about ecological impacts that result from their own participation in water-based recreation activities.