Ballito’s lockdown lawbreakers warned to stay at home – lifeguards

Beach activity along the Dolphin Coast this weekend has forced SAPS and KwaDukuza lifeguards to take a firmer approach to law breakers.

According to KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu, a father and daughter who had flouted the Covid-19 lockdown regulations earlier this evening by having a swim at Salmon Bay, nearly drowned when the daughter was swept out to sea.

“Thankfully IPSS Security was vigilant in spotting the girl in distress and contacted IPSS Medical Rescue who managed to save her from drowning,” said Xulu.

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Xulu said lifeguards are regularly having to tell people to leave the beach.

“This morning I requested assistance from SAPS to instruct a group of surfers to come back to shore at Willard Beach,” said Xulu.

“The group were officially warned and sent home.”

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Xulu said many people were trying to exploit the areas that the lifeguards and police cannot monitor.

“We cannot be everywhere at once, and the public seem to find loopholes in the enforcement system to break the law.”

Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Captain Vinny Pillay said anyone found in contravention of the lockdown regulations would be fined or prosecuted.

“We have made numerous arrests since the beginning of lockdown and will be taking a zero tolerance approach to anyone found in breach of the confinement protocols,” said Pillay.

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