An extensive festive readiness plan has so far been effective in limiting incidents of revelry, crime and drownings across North Coast beaches this holiday season.

The main role players met this morning at Salt Rock Library to discuss the best way forward over the next 3 weeks.

At the meeting were Marius Prinsloo (KDM Crime Prevention), Quentin Power (National Sea Rescue Institute), Mohammed Ash Badul (Badul Air Aviation), Bongani Xulu (KDM Lifeguards) and Clinton Odayar (Umhlali Saps K9 Unit).

The plan includes all major role players in law enforcement and emergency operations, including KwaDukuza Community Safety, Umhlali and KwaDukuza Saps, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Lifeguards and Air Rescue.

Together, the teams have limited incidents of drownings, violent crimes, beach drinking and major vehicle accidents.

“We have so far noticed a big drop in the normal festive season incidents compared to previous years.

“An unprecedented inter-agency relationship has made enforcement much more efficient,” said Marius Prinsloo, acting head of operations at KwaDukuza Crime Prevention.

Constant communication and the acknowledgment of each agencies expertise has proved to be a difference maker this year, he said.

“We all understand that there are different levels of expertise going into each situation.

“If its a search and rescue operation for example, then Clinton Odayar (K9 unit, Umhlali Saps) will take the lead and we will all provide assistance as needed.

“This way, in any given situation, the best person for the job is leading the operation,” said Prinsloo.

Roadblocks, vehicle checks and other deterrents have also been crucial in aiding bylaw enforcement on the beaches, he said.

KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent, Bongani Xulu, said although incidents were down this year, lifeguards were still being spread thin by people not swimming at guarded beaches.

“I urge all residents of the North Coast to not swim at unguarded beaches.

“Although they might know the currents and rips, a tourist who sees them and follows them in might not.

“Attending to incidents at unguarded beaches puts extra pressure on the lifeguards and sea rescue agencies,” said Xulu.

Aside from that however, beach drinking bylaws have been well enforced and families have been enjoying the amenities of North Coast beaches, rather than revellers, he said.

The second group of holidaymakers have just arrived for the ‘Christmas period’ of timeshares and holiday accommodations.

This will make for a different challenge for the agencies, but continued planning and communication will hopefully ensure further success in limiting incidents, said Quentin Power of the Specialised Rescue Unit.

“All of the agencies have plans in place for the worst case scenario in whichever field they oversee.

“Obviously we hope that it never gets to that point, but we are all well prepared should anything happen,” said Power.

The group closed by emphasising the role that private companies also play in ensuring a successful holiday period.

Private medical and security companies have proved very important in filling the gaps that government and public organisations simply cannot with budgetary and manpower constraints.

Altogether, the law enforcement, emergency operations and private medical and security companies are working hard this season so that you do not have to.