Over 90% of eThekwini's beaches are currently open for swimming. Picture: iStock
As thousands of South Africans prepare to welcome 2025 at the nation’s beaches, some popular swimming spots are closed or may best be avoided.
Several areas in Cape Town have been identified as having chronic coastal water quality problems, including Central False Bay, Lagoon Beach (Milnerton), Macassar to Gordon’s Bay, and Three Anchor Bay (Sea Point).
But the City of Cape Town’s media manager, Luthando Tyhalibhongo, confirmed that all beaches in the city are open and safe for swimming.
“We conduct weekly and bi-weekly testing at 108 sites along our Atlantic and False Bay coastlines to determine the water quality at recreational beaches, tidal pools, and coastal monitoring points,” the city said.
It also issued comprehensive safety guidelines for beachgoers.
Swimming should be avoided for 12 to 24 hours after moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly at beaches rated “sufficient” or “poor.”
Additional precautions include avoiding swimming near estuary mouths, sheltered lagoons, and stormwater outlets.
The city has outlined several ways residents can help maintain coastal water quality:
In the Eastern Cape, Buffalo Metropolitan Municipality has confirmed that nine of its ten beaches will be open, with Eastern Beach being the exception.
Municipal Spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya explained the closure.
“We want to remind the public that the eastern beach is still closed as the beach is washed away and is very dangerous. We do not see this changing in the foreseeable future.”
The municipality said it deployed 43 lifeguards across its beaches, with extended guarding hours until midnight, though night swimming is discouraged.
Swimmers are urged to stay within designated areas marked by flags and to avoid alcohol consumption while swimming. Parental supervision for children is mandatory.
The municipality also announced significant strides in beach accessibility, particularly at Gonubie Beach.
In partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and the Eastern Cape Government, they have introduced Beach Access Mats for persons with disabilities.
Beach wheelchairs are available at both Gonubie and Nahoon beaches from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
For New Year’s celebrations, Buffalo City Metro announced extensive road closures affecting multiple areas including Quigney, Beacon Bay, Gonubie, Westbank, and Nahoon Reef.
The closures will be implemented from December 31, 2024, through January 1, 2025, to manage the expected influx of visitors.
Quigney (December 31, 2024, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM):
Beacon Bay (January 1, 2025, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM):
Gonubie (January 1, 2025, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM):
Westbank (January 1, 2025, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM):
Nahoon Reef (January 1, 2025, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM):
In KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini Municipality reported that 21 of its 23 beaches are safe for swimming.
According to Mayoral Spokesperson Mluleki Mntungwa, only Country Club and Anstey’s beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns.
“The status of beaches and pools will be updated as and when their status changes. You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can’t swim,” the municipality said.
The following beaches will be open in eThekwini:
The municipality has opened numerous public pools with operating hours from 6 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 AM to 5 PM on Sundays and holidays. Open facilities include:
The municipality emphasised that while swimming is prohibited at closed beaches, other recreational activities are still permitted, and they urge visitors to maintain cleanliness by using provided waste bins.
Across all municipalities, authorities emphasised the importance of swimming in designated areas, proper waste disposal, and following safety guidelines to ensure a secure holiday season for beachgoers.
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