GXARHA - The Eastern Cape boasts pristine coastlines that draw holidaymakers in droves during the festive season.
But swimmers are being urged to stay cautious.
Many of these picturesque beaches will be without lifeguards, leaving swimmers without their usual safety net.
On the Wild Coast, just 10 lifeguards have been assigned to six beaches.
The local municipality says it simply can’t afford more.
The National Sea Rescue Institute says it’s already been kept on its toes since December began.
As the NSRI warns, swimming drunk is as risky as driving drunk.
In the past three weeks alone, the NSRI has responded to 13 active drowning incidents, resulting in seven lives lost.
With the festive season approaching, officials hope beachgoers will take water safety seriously.
- eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.