Don’t expect to ‘pop a cold one’ on the beach this festive season, law enforcement officers in George and Margate have warned.

George Municipality says beachgoers can expect regular bag checks this period, saying that it will strictly enforce the national ban on alcohol on beaches.

The town’s law enforcement officers will be supported by 30 beach monitors during the holidays to assist with beach patrols and bag checks at Herold’s Bay, Gwaing River Mouth beach and day camp, Victoria Bay, Wilderness and Leentjiesklip beaches.

All beach monitors will be identifiable by reflector jackets or reflector bands and identification cards.

George Municipality encourages all beachgoers to assist the officials so that everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant beach experience. It says that neighbourhood watches, community police forums, George traffic services, provincial traffic services and the police work closely with the municipality to promote community safety.

If law enforcement officers confiscate liquor from beachgoers, a notice of confiscation will be issued to the offender. All confiscated items or goods are handed over to the police for disposal at their discretion.

Meanwhile, on KZN’s north coast, Margate SAPS will be conducting more beach patrols on their new fleet of quad bikes.

Ugu District police spokesperson Captain Petros Mpinge says the quad bikes were procured for Margate SAPS and will be used for beach patrols, as well as patrols in the rural areas. They will be especially helpful in enabling officers to access rough terrain areas.

Best beaches

Fifty-five beaches on South Africa’s coastline achieved the Blue Flag status this season, with the most in the Western Cape.

Three KwaDukuza beaches – Willard, Thompson’s Bay and Blythedale – are proudly flying Blue Flags, an honour given only to beaches that meet safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards.

KwaDukuza was one of only two KZN municipalities to receive Blue Flag approval for the 2022/23 season, with the other being Ray Nkonyeni on the South Coast.

None of Durban’s beaches received Blue Flag status because of sewage concerns.