DURBAN - Durban's beaches are buzzing this festive season, and lifeguards have their hands full.
READ: Concern over lifeguard shortages at Wild Coast beaches
They are reminding beachgoers to follow the beach safety guidelines and listen to the instructions given, saying it could mean the difference between a safe day out and a tragedy.
Dhaya Sewduth from Lifesaving SA said that volunteer and professional lifesavers' work is supplemented by local metropolitan and police seasonal workers to help with crowds.
"Durban is South Africa's playground and we think the municipalities can do more to employ more lifeguards," he said.
The consumption of alcohol and other substances impairs balance, judgment, and coordination, Sewduth said, while urging beachgoers and bathers to listen to the instructions of lifeguards on duty.
"There are some beachgoers who are so inebriated, when the lifeguards blow them out from the zones where they shouldn't be swimming, they tend to get abusive with lifeguards," he said.
Parents were encouraged to keep a close watch on their children and make sure they pay attention to children at the beaches.