Richards Bay beach safety drive

AIMING to curb the high number of drownings in Richards Bay, particularly at the Bay Hall area, the Zululand Observer and partners on Friday launched its festive season anti-drowning campaign.

A simple, yet effective poster illustrating the dangers particular to the Bay Hall area will be distributed from taxi drivers to passengers throughout the festive season.

It depicts the ‘drop-off’, where the water suddenly becomes deeper, catching bathers unaware and leading them to panic.

The danger is that this ledge cannot be seen when the tide is in.

‘If just one life can be saved through the distribution of these posters, the campaign would have been successful,’ said ZO Editor-in-Chief Dave Savides.

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‘It is especially sad that drownings occur at a time when there is much family celebration and togetherness, during what should be the happiest time of year.’

While the ZO spearheaded the campaign, Tronox, Richards Bay Taxi Association, Alkantstrand Lifeguards and the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) partnered the initiative.

‘The Bay Hall area is a strictly no bathing area,’ said Alkantstrand Beach Manager Shakier Hiraman, who supports the campaign as an education tool.

‘It is not just about the swimming, the area is often littered with broken bottles which cannot be seen when the tide is in.

‘We urge bathers to swim only in the designated swimming areas at Alkantstrand, and only during the times that lifeguards are on duty.’

Also welcoming the campaign, Sibusiso Nzuza, Chairperson of the King Cetshwayo Region for SANTACO said, ‘Pamphlet distribution is just one way we will be directly involved in the safety of our passengers this festive season.’

‘Throughout the holidays we will be undertaking taxi inspections and ensure taxis are safe and roadworthy, and that drivers are not drinking and driving.

‘But everyone must make sure they enjoy themselves in accordance with the basic safety rules.’

‘Besides the heartache that drowning brings to families, it impacts tourism,’ said uMhlathuze CTO Chairperson Vanessa le Roux.

‘Even in an apparently calm area like the Bay Hall, those unfamiliar with the landscape won’t see the hidden dangers.’

‘We are extremely grateful for those partnering with us, especially Tronox who covered the pamphlet’s printing costs, and to the Richards Bay Taxi Association whose drivers will distribute them to passengers,’ said Savides.

‘Caring for the community is built into our company’s philosophy,’ said Tronox Regional Community Relations Co-ordinator, Natalie Keegan.

‘People work hard and have the right to relax come year-end. The last thing they need is heartache.’

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