The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board yesterday warned bathers to avoid swimming at unprotected beaches – including Zinkwazi, Blythdale, Salt Rock, Thompson’s Bay and Ballito – until further notice, reports the Zululand Observer.

Large swells and unsettled seas experienced off the coast of KZN for the past week have prevented staff from launching ski boats to service shark nets, and have resulted in some gear shifting out of position.

“Beach users are advised to consult the lifeguards prior to entering the water as sea conditions are very treacherous at this time,” said head of operations, Mike Anderson-Reade.

Bathing is banned at affected beaches until teams are able to safely get out to sea, assess the situation and re-position the gear.

As this week falls over a school holiday period, every effort is being made by the Sharks Board to get gear back in order and reopen protected beaches as soon as possible.

The public is urged to only use the following beaches for bathing while additional beaches are opened over the forthcoming days as sea conditions settle:

North Coast: Westbrook, Umdloti, Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Rocks.

Durban: Ushaka and Addington beach.

South Coast: Isipingo, Pipeline Beach Amanzimtoti, St Michael’s on Sea, Margate Main Beach, Ramsgate and Southbroom.

Correction – The names of the beaches where swimming is banned have been corrected.

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