WATCH: uMhlathuze mayor urges residents to heed beach safety warnings

Water safety warning issued following several drownings in the City of uMhlathuze

2 hours ago

Tamlyn Cramer 1 minute read

Beachgoers urged to exercise extreme caution

In light of the weekend’s drownings at Alkantstrand and Pelican Island in Richards Bay, City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi has taken to social media to urge residents to prioritise water safety.

This follows a statement by the uMhlathuze Municipality this morning (Tuesday) in which beachgoers and bathers are reminded not to swim when lifeguards are off duty.

ALSO READ: More early summer drownings as temperatures soar across Zululand region

“Members of the public are reminded that swimming is prohibited after 5pm. Pelican Island is not a designated bathing beach and the public is urged to avoid entering the water when lifeguards are off duty,” reads the statement.

A man (27) drowned at Alkantstrand on Sunday evening while attempting to rescue his friend (26) who had got into difficulty while swimming.

Another man (35) was reported missing on Sunday morning after he failed to return home from the Bay Hall area on Saturday.

His body was recovered at Pelican Island on Monday afternoon.

Mounties EMS has further urged people to not swim after consuming alcohol.

This after the ambulance service attended to three of the six drowning incidents that occurred over the past week.

“As emergency medical personnel, drowning calls are among those we dread responding to. Sadly, not every rescue has a fairytale ending, and the consequences can leave families devastated,” said Mounties.

“Please be cautious. Look after one another, supervise children around water, and never underestimate the dangers.”