CONCERN has been expressed over the limited amount of beach area available for the tens of thousands expected at Alkantstrand on New Year’s Day.
‘Due to the coastal erosion problems we have experienced over the past months, there is very little exposed shoreline at high tide,’ said Beach Manager, Shakes Hiraman.
‘There is also still a great deal of debris in the water, such as creosote poles, which means the width of the bathing area is also restricted.
‘However, to offset this we now have three other swimming areas open and attended by lifeguards, namely Newark Beach (immediately south of Alkantstrand), Palm Beach (to the north) and the Bay Hall.’
Hiraman said the swimming season had thus far been excellent in terms of public conduct, with no major incidents reported in or off the water.
‘We had the normal few surf help-outs and we confiscated a bit of alcohol, but the people have been behaving very well.
‘We have being keeping strict control and with a total of 40 lifeguards there are plenty of water patrols.
‘We have noticed an increased number of families utilising the beach and recreational area this year, and with sea temperatures at 26 degrees and above they are having a good time.
‘There were about 16 000 people here on Christmas Day and 8 000 the following day but the big push will come on New Year’s Day when upwards of 100 000 are expected.
‘A full day’s entertainment is on the cards and the tents and scaffolding are already being erected.
‘This will be the after-party of the ‘Last Dance’ bash at the Veldenvlei Regional Sports Complex on New Year’s Eve, so we are gearing up for plenty of action.
‘We are also expecting a number of senior KZN MECs to make a stop-over to greet the crowds.’
