More lifeguards, patrols and child-safety measures planned for KZN beaches

eThekwini, Umdoni prepare beaches for festive-season crowds.

eThekwini and Umdoni municipalities are increasing lifeguard coverage, beach patrols and child-safety measures ahead of the festive season, although water-quality monitoring and operating hours vary between beaches.

According to the eThekwini Municipality, about 400,000 identification armbands had been procured to ensure the safety of children. 

Umdoni municipality has implemented the "Bobbies on the Beat" programme, which utilises police reservists to conduct regular beach patrols. 

Senzelwe Mzila, eThekwini municipal spokesperson, told the sundaytribune.co.za that regular testing by the city's scientific team would ensure that swimming areas met safety standards ahead of the festive season. 

As eThekwini expects scores of visitors during the holiday period, Mzila said the city has employed 70 seasonal lifeguards on 10-month contracts to ensure the safety of swimmers. 

He said all beaches under the city were safe and ready for the festive season. 

"The published update reported that all 23 monitored Durban beaches were open for swimming, and testing is conducted every two weeks, " said Mzila.

However, he said that during the holiday period, the frequency increases to once a week to ensure that water quality is closely monitored.

"The municipality has procured 400,000 identification armbands in preparation for the implementation of the separated children programme during the upcoming festive season. 

“These armbands will assist in identifying and safely reuniting children who become separated from their parents or guardians at the beaches, swimming pools and other public recreational facilities," Mzila said.

He revealed the recruitment process for 43 childminders was successfully completed last week.

"The appointed childminders will support the implementation of the programme by assisting with the supervision, care and safeguarding of children at designated facilities during the festive period," said Mzlia. 

He said the procurement of tents and mats is currently in progress to ensure that suitable facilities are available to accommodate separated children and provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for children while the necessary reunification processes are undertaken.

“The city has employed 70 seasonal lifeguards on 10-month contracts, commencing September 21, 2026 and ending on July 21, 2027. These seasonal lifeguards will supplement the permanent lifeguard workforce and strengthen aquatic safety coverage at beaches, particularly during peak periods, including the April and June school holidays next year and the upcoming festive season." 

He said routine and reactive patrols will be conducted in designated non-bathing zones to monitor these areas, discourage unsafe swimming practices and respond to potential aquatic safety risks and incidents.

Mzila said the municipality, in collaboration with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), has also installed signage in designated areas to warn members of the public about the dangers of swimming in non-bathing zones.

"However, the city has experienced incidents of vandalism involving these signs, which undermines efforts to promote public awareness and ensure the safety of beachgoers. Measures to strengthen monitoring and protect the signage will be implemented," he said. 

The status of the city’s beaches is available on the official website at www.durban.gov.za.  

Sphelele Cele, spokesperson for the Umdoni Municipality said they were ready for the festive season.

"We have a total of 12 beaches, with Scottburgh Beach serving as the primary beach destination. Sea water quality monitoring is conducted at seven beaches by both an independent contracted service provider and Ugu District Municipality. 

“Discussions are underway to improve coordination between the two entities to facilitate more frequent water sampling during the upcoming peak holiday season," she said.

To strengthen beach safety during the peak season, Cel said the municipality will deploy an additional 42 lifeguards across its beaches to provide swimming supervision.

"Out of the 12 beaches under Umdoni, six operate throughout the year, while the remaining six are seasonal beaches. 

“Lifeguard services are provided daily at Scottburgh and Pennington Beaches, and on weekends and public holidays at Park Rynie, Rocky Bay, and Mtwalume Beaches," said Cele.

She said recently the municipality attained five Blue Flag Status Beaches for Pennington, Umthwalume, Preston, Rocky Bay and Bazley Beaches and a Pilot Site for Scottburgh Beaches.

Cele said the municipality currently does not issue identification armbands to children. 

"In instances where a child is reported missing, the matter is immediately referred to the lifeguards, who utilise the public address (PA) system to make announcements and assist in reuniting children with their parents or guardians. 

“Several Beach safety awareness campaigns have been conducted in schools throughout the year educating the children to be water smart and how they should behave themselves when visiting beaches," she said.

While standard operational hours are from 8am to 5pm, Cele advised that staggered shifts will be implemented at high-usage beaches to extend supervision coverage from 7am to 6pm where required. 

"Furthermore, the municipality has implemented the "Bobbies on the Beat" programme, which utilises police reservists to conduct regular beach patrols. 

“Their responsibilities include enhancing public safety and conducting search-and-seizure operations for alcohol at beach access points in accordance with applicable regulations,” she said.

Cele said beaches that will hoist Blue Flags as of December 1, 2026 at Pennington, Bazley, Rocky Bay and Preston beaches.