Date: 2023-01-19 11:00:46
City denounces fake news about drownings at south and Isipingo beaches
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 DECEMBER 2022
CITY DENOUNCES FAKE NEWS ABOUT DROWNINGS AT SOUTH AND ISIPINGO BEACHES
EThekwini Municipality has become aware of an alarmist voice note about drownings at the South and Isipingo beaches. The voicenote calls on the public to avoid beaches because of these incidents.
The Municipality can confirm that there was a drowning incident at North Beach on 17 December where three people died. The incident was due to a rip current, which is a fairly common phenomenon at sea.
The Municipality can also confirm that there was no drowning reported at Isipingo beach this December. The beach is closed due to poor water quality so there is no swimming there.
The public is warned to be wary of such false, anonymous and alarmist social media posts and fake news which are disseminated with intentions to cause panic.
Swimming at beaches can be a safe activity if the public follows safety guidelines such as swimming within designated areas, not swimming under the influence of alcohol and complying with instructions of lifeguards.
The municipality re-iterates its condolences to families who lost loved ones in the North Beach incident. It also commends the bravery of lifeguards, paramedics and other emergency response personnel who attended to this unfortunate incident.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact Municipality’s Spokesperson.
