DURBAN - The eThekwini Municipality says it is fully prepared to welcome an anticipated 1.3 million visitors to Durban this festive season.
The municipality has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring safety, smooth operations and a vibrant holiday atmosphere across the city.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana says the plan outlines how officials will manage the influx of holidaymakers while keeping beaches, public spaces and tourist hotspots secure.
Sisilana says safety remains the city’s top priority.
To bolster law enforcement visibility during the peak period, additional security guards have been deployed to support metro police and internal safety units.
Beaches will also have a full complement of qualified lifeguards stationed at all priority swimming areas.
“These lifeguards are fully trained and equipped to respond swiftly to any incidents,” Sisilana said.
“Their presence ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all beachgoers.”
The city’s newly-formed Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit will patrol 100 kilometres of coastline, from Umkhomazi in the south to Westbrook in the north.
The specialised unit is expected to play a key role in deterring crime and supporting rapid response efforts along the beachfront.
With thousands of families expected along the beachfront, child safety has been given particular attention.
The city has set up seven tents dedicated to assisting separated or lost children. An overnight facility has also been secured at Ellis Brown Primary School for emergencies.
To make child identification easier, the municipality has procured 200,000 armbands, which parents and guardians are encouraged to use.
Durban’s beaches remain open and safe, with the latest water quality results showing that all 23 bathing beaches meet the required standards for public use.
Beach water is tested every two weeks, and results are published on the municipality’s official website and social media channels.
“When bacteria levels exceed safe limits, precautionary closures are implemented immediately to protect public health,” Sisilana noted.
“Transparency is important, which is why we regularly update the public on beach status.”