The past weekend was abuzz in Durban as thousands of both domestic and international holidaymakers descended on the City to enjoy their summer holidays. Durban beaches and other entertainment establishments were packed to capacity with visitors.

 

The City’s law enforcement, supported by members of the South African Police Service, were out in full force to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Lifeguards also worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of beachgoers.  

 

On the week of 5 to 11 December, the City recorded 293 520 beachgoers and 474 4300 promenade visitors. About 22 646 bags of litter were collected with 14 cases of children who got separated from their parents but were later re-united. About 9 152 warnings were issued and nine arrests made. These cases related to non-compliance to City by-laws such as illegal parking, nudity, sleeping on the beach, drinking alcohol in public, bathing in non-bathing areas, fighting, dogs not being leashed, and general disturbance.

 

About 162 charges for unauthorized vehicles parked in disabled parking spaces and for washing vehicles in parking lots were issued.  

 

During this period, the City is happy to report that there were no drownings reported at beaches. The following beaches are open for public swimming: Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, Wedge, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Anstey’s, Toti Main, Pipeline and uMdloti Main. Bathing at beaches is allowed from 6am to 6.30pm daily. The public is not allowed to swim at night as beaches are not manned by lifeguards. Toilets and ablution facilities are open from 6am to 8pm on Monday to Thursday. From Friday to Sunday and on public holidays, the service is available from 6am to 10pm. 

 

Currently, 25 Municipal swimming pools are operational with 25 836 members of the public visiting pools between 5 to 11 December. Open swimming pools include: Rainham, Durban North, Pipeline Paddling, Tiger Rocks, Anstey’s, Westville, Kings Park Indoor, Kings Park Outdoor, Stanmore, uMlazi D, L.T King, Bayview, Arena Park, Alex Bulley, Lamontville, Lahee Park, Ntuzuma G, Sutton Park, South Beach Paddling, Tesoriere, Mariannridge, Tills Crescent, Croftdene, Bellair and Umgababa.  Swimming times at the pools are 9am to 4.30pm daily.

 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said it is exciting that people continue to choose Durban as the city of choice for their holiday. He appealed to the public to adhere to safety precautions to ensure an incident-free festive season.

 

Mayor Kaunda said there were no major incidents reported over the past weekend. The public is encouraged to continue to adhere to City by-laws.

 

“We are happy with the good conduct of the public especially at Durban beaches. We encourage the public to continue to co-operate with the police and other law enforcement, and Municipal staff including lifeguards to ensure their safety,” said Mayor Kaunda.

 

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.