EThekwini Municipality calls on beachgoers to only swim in designated areas manned by lifeguards. This is to ensure the safety of bathers since swimming before or after opening and closing times could put their lives at risk. Any person found swimming at night will face a fine of R300, according to Municipal bylaws.
“Swimming is only permitted from 06:00 and 18:30 and we are committed to reducing the number of drownings at our beaches,” said Christo Swart, Deputy Head of Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department and Chairperson of Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC).
Swart called on beach patrons to cooperate to ensure their safety on the beach.
To date, no drownings were recorded during the normal swimming hours at our beaches since the beginning of the festive season. However, on Sunday, 29 December 2013, lifeguards spotted a dead body at the North Beach, which was handed over to the South African Police Services. The police will conduct an investigation to establish the cause of death.
Swart urged all beachgoers to listen to instructions from the lifeguards and not swim if they are under the influence of alcohol.
