BEACHGOERS who swim after closing times are putting their lives at risk and will face a fine of R300 if caught. That’s the warning from eThekwini Municipality who has urged beachgoers to only swim in designated areas manned by lifeguards from 6am to 6.30pm.
According to Christ Swart, Deputy Head of Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries, and chairperson of the Festive Season Management Committee, the city bylaws only permit swimming on the beaches during this hours. “We are committed to reducing the number of drowings at our beaches,”said Swart.
To date, no drownings were recorded during the normal swimming hours at Durban beaches since the beginning of the festive season. However, on Sunday, 29 December, lifeguards spotted a body at 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.
