eThekwini Municipality shuts down select beaches in Durban

The eThekwini Municipality has recently announced the closure of certain Durban beaches for swimming due to poor water quality test results. This decision comes amid ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, especially as Durban’s beaches attract locals and tourists. The municipality confirmed that the beach closures primarily result from high E. coli levels, which pose health risks for swimmers.

Updated list of closed and open beaches

As of 18 October, the municipality provided an updated list of both closed and open beaches. The beaches closed to swimming include Anstey’s Beach, Toti Main Beach, and Pipeline Beach. The municipality encourages visitors to check for updates regularly, as beach and pool statuses are subject to change based on new water quality results.

However, the municipality clarified that “You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can’t swim.”

Meanwhile, Durban offers several open beaches that have met safe water quality standards. These include popular spots like:

• Wedge Beach
• uShaka Beach
• Point Beach
• Addington Beach
• North Beach
• South Beach
• Bay of Plenty
• Battery Beach
• Thekwini Beach
• Laguna Beach
• Country Club Beach
• Westbrook Beach
• Mdloti Main Beach
• Umhlanga Main Beach
• Bronze Beach
• Warner Beach
• Umgababa Beach
• Reunion Beach
• Brighton Beach
• Winklespruit Beach

List of Opened Public Swimming Pools

Durban’s public swimming pools that are open for use include:

• Laguna Paddling Pool
• KwaMashu G Pool
• Hambanathi Pool
• Buffelsdale Pool
• Verulam Pool
• Stanmore Pool
• Rainham Pool
• Durban North Pool
• South Beach Paddling Pool
• Umgababa Pool
• Pipeline Paddling Pool
• Tiger Rocks Pool
• Inyoni Pool
• Ansteys Paddling Pool
• Umlazi D Pool
• LT King Pool
• Merewent Pool
• Tesoriero Pool
• Tills Crescent Pool
• Bellair Pool
• Alex Bulley Pool
• Lamontville Pool
• Arena Park Pool
• Bayview Pool
• Croftdene Pool
• Lahee Park Pool
• Westville Pool
• Mariannridge Pool
• Nagina Pool
• Kings Park Indoor Pool
• Kings Park Outdoor Pool
• Sutton Park Pool
• Austerville Pool

With Durban’s summer season approaching, these closures could impact residents’ and visitors’ recreational plans.