Southport and Anerley tidal pools restored ahead of festive season
Beachgoers can once again enjoy safe, clear waters after Ray Nkonyeni Municipality cleared both tidal pools of sand.
Visitors, residents and ratepayers watched in delight as the tidal pools at Southport’s Blue Flag beach and nearby Anerley Beach were cleared of sand recently
TLBs driven by capable operators worked tirelessly to remove the vast piles that had built up over recent weeks, restoring both pools after they had been reduced to ankle-deep water.
Originally constructed in the early 1950s as part of a South Coast beach-improvement initiative, these rock tidal pools have long been popular with families and holidaymakers seeking safe and sheltered swimming spots.
“We are so excited,” said holidaymaker Chantelle Thorne, who was unable to swim at the weekend as the Southport pool was filled to the brim with sand.
Recent high tides and extreme swells have occasionally forced the closure of the Southport swimming beach, with conditions deemed too dangerous for bathers. These tidal pools provide a safe, family-friendly alternative – especially for nervous or elderly swimmers and young children – while also offering opportunities for snorkelling and exploring the rich marine life of the South Coast.
Donovan Fisher of Bendigo Ratepayers’ and Residents’ for Ward 16 thanked Anton Rossouw and his team at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) for arranging the cleaning of the tidal pools at Southport and Anerley.
“We had so many requests from people wanting to swim in these pools, and it’s much appreciated that the municipality was able to assist well ahead of the clean-out originally scheduled for December, before the year-end holidays,” said Fisher.
RNM is responsible for maintaining its Blue Flag and popular public beaches along the KZN South Coast. Regular beach clean ups, dune rehabilitation and the upkeep of facilities, including tidal pools, ablution blocks and parking areas help ensure that the coastline remains safe, accessible and attractive for residents and holidaymakers alike.
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