Durban beach safety: Here’s how to keep safe this New Year’s Day

The coast is the place to be this summer, with Durban recording visitors in the thousands!

New Year’s Day always sees massive crowds arriving at Durban beaches, as well as further north and south along the coastline – and this year is expected to be a bumper season.

While New Year’s is a day of celebration, it also places a significant strain on municipal resources, with lifeguards and Metro Police stretched to capacity trying to ensure everyone’s safety.

Durban’s Safety Response

The eThekwini Municipality has already shown it’s ready for the influx of tourists, with Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba recently announcing increased capacity at the beachfront, with an additional 650 seasonal staff brought in to help.

This includes:

• 78 Lifeguards
• 135 Litter Pickers
• 67 Beach Guides
• 70 Pool Supervisors
• 113 Pool Attendants
• 43 Childminders and
• 135 Additional Security Guards

The municipality has also procured seven tents for separated children and secured an overnight facility at Ellis Brown Primary School in South Beach.

A further 200,000 armbands have also been procured to help identify children easily.

READ: The best beaches in and around Durban

Keeping Safe on the Beaches

It’s not all up to the municipality, however, as we all have a role to play in keeping safe on the beaches this festive season.

Here are some water safety tips to consider:

• Always listen to lifeguards’ instructions
• Enter the water feet first
• Never swim alone; always have a buddy
• Stay in designated areas with lifeguards present
• When in trouble, do not panic; raise your hand to attract the lifeguards’ attention
• If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or find help
• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol
• Always watch children in the water

READ: Where to ring in the new year in Durban

What to Do in a Rip Current

The National Sea Rescue Institute notes rip currents as a major hazard along the coast.

They have provided the following lifesaving steps to escape being trapped in a rip current.

• Don’t panic and don’t fight the current
• Get out of the rip by swimming parallel to the shore
• Use the waves to help get you back to the beach
• Never swim into a rip to help somebody – rather, throw them something that floats
• Use arm signals to show them to swim to the side

Emergency Numbers to Save

It’s always good to have these numbers saved in case of an emergency:

• NSRI emergency line: 112
• eThekwini Municipality Emergency Response Call Centre: 031 361 0000
• Police: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177

Remember to have fun this New Year's Day by always remembering: water safety first!

TIME OUT RECOMMENDS:

📍 The best things to do in Durban
😋 The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban