WITH the first long weekend of the festive season over, the municipality’s Festive Season Management Committee, says it is pleased that only a minimum of glitches were experienced as crowds flocked to Durban beaches.
Statistics for the long weekend (14-18 Dec 2016) reveal that approximately 477 700 people were recorded on the beach. About 175 rescue operations were carried out and 14 785 people received first aid treatment. A 34-year old male was reported to have drowned at Ezimbokodweni River, a non-bathing area. His body was recovered by members of the South African Police Service at 9.30pm on 16 December 2016.
Approximately 505 children were separated from their parents/guardians. They were all timeously reunited, thanks to the 32 550 armbands issued to all children at the beaches.
From the Cleansing and Solid Waste Department, 177 staff members worked on a three shift daily and 191 960 tons of litter was collected. The public is urged to keep the City clean by using the litter bins provided.
Acting Chairperson of FESMAC, Malcolm Canham, said the long weekend provided an opportunity for all the safety systems put in place to be tested. “Lifeguards and other law enforcement officers were kept busy throughout the weekend, as people filled up the beaches. We also had to implement road closures to avoid traffic congestion around the various beaches.” Canham commended patrons for co-operating with law enforcement officers. However, he urged bus and taxi drivers to only park at their designated area, the Drive-Inn site, to allow for the smooth flow of traffic on the beachfront.
