Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) president Dhaya Sewduth. Picture: Supplied
Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) has issued a strong warning to beachgoers following yet another tragic drowning at Durban’s Point Beach last weekend.
According to LSA president Dhaya Sewduth, the incident occurred after lifeguards had officially closed the beach to bathers. The body of the 25-year-old victim was discovered in the water on Sunday.
This marks the fifth drowning in KwaZulu-Natal within just two weeks, with most incidents taking place at unpatrolled beaches where lifeguards are not on duty.
“During the past two weeks, we’ve received reports of drownings at Umzumbe, as well as a young man and his uncle who drowned at Hibberdene. An adult woman also drowned at an unpatrolled beach between Pipeline and 30 Main Beach,” said Mr Sewduth.
In another recent tragedy, an adult male lost his life at Scarborough Beach after lifeguard duty hours had ended for the day.
Mr Sewduth said it was critically important that swimming only takes place in designated bathing areas where lifeguards are present and adhering to beach operating hours.
“We cannot caution people enough about the dangers of swimming after hours. These incidents are preventable, and we urge the public to take beach safety seriously,” he said.
Authorities continue to appeal to beachgoers to follow safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary risks to prevent further loss of life.