Beach rescue services are bracing themselves for a hectic season, perhaps topping the 60 000 record for beachgoers on New Year’s Day this year.

KwaDukuza beach manager Steve Honneysett highlighted some of services that have been stepped up to keep people safe at the beach during this December.

A major component of this is the presence of lifeguards at the beaches.

“We have increased the number of lifeguards on the main swimming beaches from November 15 to January 15,” said Honneysett.

The beaches will also be manned by the lifeguards from 6am to 6pm. From Wednesday, December 4 the staff will go up to full strength of eight lifeguards at the main beaches including Willards Beach, Thompson’s Bay and Salt Rock Beach. Patrols will be run along the smaller beaches and a contingent of lifeguards will be posted at Salmon Bay.

Beach visitors are reminded that Salmon Bay, Catfish Beach and Tinley Manor Beach do not have shark net coverage.

With a huge amount of people set to soak up the sun on the sand, the cleaning services of the beach have been boosted with more staff and more rubbish skips have been put out.

Accidents and emergencies have also been catered for.

“It is important that people call our control room for anything relating to the beaches,” said Honneysett. In the past, calls have gone out to different emergency services, which makes coordination very difficult.

Visitors should consider the following safety advice to have a safe and fun festive season.

For any emergency on the beach contact the Ballito Control Room 032-9462711.

Beach safety tips:

• Do not take any valuables down to the beach
• Do not consume alcohol on the beach.
• Avoid swimming in areas with no lifeguards present.
• Keep applying sun screen when spending long period in the sun.
• If you suffer from allergic reactions, carry medication with you.
• Report to lifeguards if you are stung by bluebottles or jellyfish
• Check tidal pools before you enter as they are home to a variety of marine species.
• All lost children will be taken to the nearest Lifeguard stations to be collected.