Pretoria - With the festive season at its peak, the eThekwini Municipality has warned beachgoers to follow instructions by staff on duty to avoid incidents of drowning.
"Beachgoers are warned to swim within designated bathing areas, marked with red and yellow flagged beacons. Whilst the lifeguards are on duty, swimming hours are from 6am to 6:30pm," urged the Deputy Head of the Municipality's Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department, Christo Swart.
Swart further warned the public not to swim at night for their own safety, but noted that there were lifeguards on duty to monitor beaches to ensure that no swimming occurred after hours.
"If in difficulty while swimming, do anything in your power to draw attention and /or alert lifeguards by waving your arms in the air and shout for help," he said, reiterating that no alcohol was allowed on the beaches.
Wrist bands with contact details are also being issued to assist in reuniting children separated from their parents or guardians.
On 21 and 22 December 2010, about 2 500 wrist bands were issued by beach buddies and child minders to children going at beaches.
