THE City of uMhlathuze yesterday (Thursday) undertook to arrest and fine bathers who fail to comply with municipal safety and security measures at beach areas.
Under the resolution taken by the Event Safety and Security Planning Committee (ESSPC), bathers swimming in non-demarcated swimming areas, like the Bay Hall area in Richards Bay or at Port Durnford beach in eSikhaleni, who fail to comply with a lawful request from a member of the ESSPC (even by refusal) to stop swimming there, could face arrest and a fine of up to R20 000.
The same applies to bathers who risk drowning by swimming when drunk.
This is in accordance with section 44(1)(n) of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act no 2 of 2010 (SASREA), and operates perpetually until repealed or amended.
The planning committee also resolved to close off access to Pelican Island in the interest of safety and security, and protection of life.
These measures have been implemented to prevent drownings, and will be enforced through a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation consisting of Saps, RTI, traffic department and council security contractors, totalling 672 deployments.
