iSimangaliso Wetland Park has issued a safety warning after sharks and crocodiles were spotted at Ingwe Beach in St Lucia.

“iSimangaliso would like to inform members of the community to be safe when fishing, swimming or visiting Ingwe Beach, which is next to the estuary mouth, as sharks and crocodiles have been spotted in these areas,” says the park’s media liaison officer, Bheki Manzini.

According to an article published by Zululand Observer, the warning comes after the St Lucia estuary mouth breached naturally on January 10, resulting in the washing ashore of freshwater fish as floodwaters from the estuary flow into the ocean.

The beached fish have attracted the attention of birds and people.

The floodwaters are the result of recent heavy rainfall, which led to the natural reopening of Lake St Lucia estuary mouth.

iSimangaliso said it will continue to monitor the Lake St Lucia estuarine system, and continuously engage with stakeholders and partners on updates.