Durban beaches draw holiday crowds

THE New Year festivities are over and Durban has survived a bumper holiday season.

According to the Municipality, more than 505 584 people visited various city beaches over the long weekend. Approximately 4 650 people had to be treated for various ailments and 242 rescues were carried out. One drowning was reported at Dakota beach, where the body of a 14-year old male was recovered at 7.30am on Monday. Another drowning incident happened at La Mercy River, where the body of a 53-year old male from East London was recovered on 1 Jan  at around 1.45pm.

Approximately 32 613 armbands were issued to children and 693 Children were separated from their guardians/parents. All children have been reunited with their families.
An estimated 96 669.96 tons of refuse was collected over the long weekend.
Chairperson of the Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC), Sibusiso Mkhwanazi said law enforcement was tightened at the beachfront to ensure that people were able to enjoy themselves in a safe way. He added that beaches had been packed to an extent that road closures had to be implemented early to avoid traffic congestion. He urged patrons to abide by Municipal by-laws and ensure that they always put theirs, and other people’s, safety first.