Durban beaches declared SAFE for swimming

Durban’s eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has assured both residents and visitors that Durban beaches are safe for swimming.

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The announcement coincided with the reopening of the iconic uMhlanga Rocks Whalebone Pier, greeted with enthusiasm from the public.

Mayor Kaunda highlighted the positive results from water quality testing, conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at the Durban University of Technology.

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“The city’s results sampled on 12 December, as part of its weekly routine testing, have also revealed that of the 23 bathing beaches, 20 beaches are e-coli compliant with acceptable standards for swimming and other water recreational use.

“The safety of residents and visitors remains a priority and with constant testing, we want to assure holidaymakers and residents of their safety. These results confirm an improvement in our beach water quality. As most are compliant with excellent and acceptable standards for swimming and other recreational use,” Kaunda said.

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TEAM OF EXPERT SCIENTISTS CONTINOUSLY MONITORS WATER QUALITY

Emphasising the city’s commitment to transparency, Mayor Kaunda stated that a team of expert scientists continuously monitors water quality at the municipal ISO 17 025 accredited laboratory. In cases of poor results, a pollution team swiftly identifies and addresses the source to ensure remedial action.

The municipality conducts joint sampling with independent organizations. Including the IWWT and Adopt-A-River, for additional assurance.

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Mayor Kaunda reassured the public that routine weekly testing persists across all 23 bathing beaches. Also decisions to close beaches are made based on informed assessments.

WHICH DURBAN BEACHES ARE OPEN?

Open beaches include uShaka, Addington, Point, North, Bay of Plenty, and more, while those closed include Pipeline, Winkelespruit, and Anstey’s. Additionally, 34 swimming pools, including the recently reopened Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool contribute to the city’s recreational offerings.

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With 65 beach guides and 160 seasonal lifeguards deployed. Mayor Kaunda expressed the city’s readiness to host a safe and memorable festive season for the expected 792 410 visitors in Durban.

Repairs at the Children Amusement Centre swimming pool are also underway. Promising an enhanced experience for beachgoers.