After more than a week of closure following the recent floods, KwaDukuza’s southern beaches were reopened today.

Clarke Bay, Willard Beach, Thompson’s Bay, Salt Rock Main Beach and Tinley Manor Main Beach are all open to the public again.

The swimming areas will have lifeguards on duty from 7am-5pm daily.

Zinkwazi and Blythedale beaches remain closed owing to the low water quality and amount of debris respectively, said KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent, Bongani Xulu.

“In a decision taken in conjunction with the KwaDukuza Municipality, we have decided that the southern beaches are at bathing quality again,” he said.

The lifeguarded beaches were closed on April 14 owing to a combination of debris in the water, poor water quality and public infrastructure that had been impacted.

This meant that the beaches remained closed over the typically popular Easter weekend.

“We understand that Easter is a busy time for local tourism and the beaches, but it was just not possible to open them safely at that time this year. Our lifeguard hours have extended temporarily from 8am-4pm to 7am-5pm in order to try and give back some of the time lost,” he said.

Xulu stressed that public beach amenities remain closed until water is is restored to the taps.

“Unfortunately, although the beaches are open, the toilets and showers are still closed for now. We will communicate as soon as they are available again,” he said.

If you are swimming on the North Coast, please do so at protected beaches.