Scottburgh beachgoers blatantly break the law
Police were called to Scottburgh beach on Friday last week to deal with a number of people flouting regulations by entering the water to swim,
Despite the ban on bathing still being in force, scores of holidaymakers flocked to Scottburgh, Park Rynie, Preston, and Umkomaas beaches over the Heritage Day weekend, determined to take a holiday swim in the sea.
Last month, Umdoni Municipality issued a reminder that while beaches were open for fishing and recreational activities, swimming was not allowed as the shark safety gear had not yet been replaced following the Sardine Run earlier this year.
Lifeguards had also not yet officially returned to duty.
“We love coming down to the South Coast, mainly because of its beaches,” said Aaryan Pillay, a Johannesburg resident who visited last weekend.
“It’s such a pity that we weren’t able to actually enjoy the beach like we normally do because of this shark net issue.”
While he was not alone in feeling this way, several other beachgoers said that they were not aware that bathing was still not allowed.
They had, they said, assumed that as the beaches were open, this meant they could enjoy the ocean as well.
This has caused much confusion, with police being called to Scottburgh beach on Friday last week to deal with a number of people flouting the regulations by entering the water to swim, blatantly ignoring the “No Swimming” signs prominently displayed on the beach.
“People refused to listen so police intervention was necessary,” said Scottburgh Saps communications officer, Captain Adam Francis.
“We ask the public to adhere to the regulations because it is risky to swim at beaches with no shark nets. We are just trying to keep the public safe.”
The Sharks Board has indicated that it is in communication with all South Coast municipalities regarding the replacement of the shark safety gear.
At this stage there has been no confirmation as to when lifeguards will resume full-time duties.
The danger of swimming at unprotected beaches was highlighted recently with two tragic instances of swimmers being swept out to sea, one at Port Shepstone and one at Sunwich Port, earlier this month.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
* Before entering the sea, watch the waves and avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto the rocks.
* Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement and unnecessary risks are taken.
* Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea.
* Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards.
* If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.
* Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim, a red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.
* Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes.
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