Thousands of people flock to eThekwini beaches

The expected influx started on 16 December, with some 155,000 people at the beaches, which was also the first day of improved weather conditions.

The good weather continued and the weekend from 20 to 22 December saw 236,000 people at the beaches, followed by 402,260 on Christmas and Boxing Day.

On New Year’s Eve some 93,000 people enjoyed the daytime beach activities; 39,300 in the evening and a whopping 460,780 on New Year’s Day, which included 35,000 people at the New Year’s picnic at Umgababa beach.

“I thank all our residents and visitors for ensuring a peaceful festive season and I am sure they have enjoyed their stay with us. Of course, the festive season is not over, I urge all holidaymakers to come and experience Durban,” said Nxumalo.

There were 28 beach rescues on 31 December and 32 on 1 January, with five mass rescues executed on the day.

A person was reported missing north off Pipeline Beach in Amanzimtoti, a non-bathing area, and the body has not yet been recovered. “I would like to highlight that we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure bathing area with adequate lifeguards on duty, hence my appeal to bathers not to swim in non-demarcated bathing areas with no staff on duty.”

Some 8,350 armbands were issued as part of the municipality's separated children programme. “I appeal to all beachgoers with minors to keep their children with them at all times. It is an offence to leave a minor unattended in terms of the Child Protection Act. In cases of contravention of this act, the SAPS will prosecute offenders. The police will take action against parents of seven children who were left at our overnight facility.”

During the past two days, 351 children were accommodated at separated children's facilities on the beachfront of which 207 children were taken to an overnight facility, 197 children were back with their parents later in the evening.