The eThekwini Municipal authorities are warning bathers to adhere to the advice of lifeguards after the suspected drowning of an eight-year-old boy this afternoon, 16 November 2019 in the Umkomaas River twenty metres from the beach.

 

Search and Rescue and eThekwini Lifeguards are on the scene combing the area to recover the body.

 

The City urges all bathers to exercise caution especially after the rainfall over the last two days resulting in raised water levels in rivers and dams. Residents are advised to ensure that they follow instructions of lifeguards on duty to avoid incidents of drowning.

 

Swimming is only permitted within designated bathing areas, marked with red and yellow flagged beacons. Swimming hours are from 6am to 6:30pm. Night swimming and the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Lifeguards are on duty to monitor beaches to ensure that no swimming occurs after hours.

 

Should bathers find themselves in difficulty while swimming, they are encouraged to do anything in their power to draw attention and /or alert lifeguards by waving their arms in the air and shouting for help.

 

Ends

 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality, Communications Unit.