Bathing at three Blue Flag beaches in KwaDukuza has been temporarily suspended following an oil spill along the coastline.

According to KwaDukuza Lifeguard Superintendent Bongani Xulu, Salt Rock Main Beach was closed to bathers at around 11 am, while Thompson’s Bay and Willard Beach were closed on Sunday morning after oil was detected in the water.

Xulu said it was still too early to determine the source of the oil.

“At this stage, we cannot speculate on where the oil came from. What is important is that all the necessary authorities have been notified and investigations are ongoing,” said Xulu.

He added that although the amount of oil was not extensive, the decision to close the beaches to bathers was taken as a precautionary safety measure.

“Once investigations are complete and the beaches are all cleared, this will be communicated,” he said.

Xulu confirmed that the Blue Flag status at the affected beaches had been temporarily lowered.

However, he stressed that the beaches remain open to the public, with only swimming not allowed until further notice.

KwaDukuza doubled its Blue Flag allocation for the 2025–2026 season, with four local beaches earning the prestigious status last October.

Blythedale Beach, Salt Rock Main Beach, Thompson’s Bay Beach and Willard Beach were awarded Blue Flag status by the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) for meeting international standards of environmental management, safety and water quality.

Members of the public are urged to follow lifeguard instructions while authorities continue to monitor the situation.

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