Swimmers Cautioned Against Using Non-Bathing Beaches

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba’s, has cautioned members of the public to refrain from swimming at non-bathing beaches.

This follows an incident in which 18 learners from Umsinga were caught in difficulty while swimming at New Beach late in the afternoon yesterday.

Off-duty lifeguards from Wedge Beach assisted in rescuing the group. Teachers accompanying the learners have confirmed that one learner remains missing.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway, involving Metro Police, SAPS, a Transnet helicopter, and the National Sea Rescue Institute.

Mayor Cyril Xaba will also join the search, which commenced at 8.30am.

Mayor Xaba reiterates his warning to the public to avoid swimming at non-bathing beaches and to refrain from entering the water after hours, when lifeguards are off duty.

Parents and guardians are also urged to ensure that children are under constant adult supervision when visiting the beach.