Update: Country Club Durban beach now closed, Reunion and Uvongo beaches reopened
Country Club Beach in Durban has been closed following a recent beach status report citing elevated E. coli levels.
The latest beach status report from the eThekwini Municipality confirms that Country Club Beach is currently closed.
The report also shows that the previously closed Reunion has now been reopened. Another beach that remains closed in the city is Anstey’s. Here is the updated list of beaches that are safe to visit in Durban.
COUNTRY CLUB DURBAN BEACH CLOSED
Country Club has been closed due to poor water quality caused by high levels of E. coli. The municipality said: “This status of beaches and pools will be updated as and when their status changes. You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can’t swim.”
UVONGO BEACH REOPENED, LAGOON STILL CLOSED
The South African reported on 23 December 2024 that Uvongo Beach and the Lagoon were closed. This is after the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality issued a warning on social media. The statement read: “The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality wishes to inform the public that swimming and other recreational activities at Uvongo Beach and Lagoon are currently prohibited due to high levels of E. coli detected in the water.”
The municipality has since issued an update informing the public that Uvongo Beach has reopened, reported the South Coast Herald on 26 December 2024.
“We appreciate your patience during the closure of the beach, and we continue to plead for your endurance in regards to the closure of the Uvongo lagoon as we continue to prioritise the health of our communities,” said Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson, Simon April.
DURBAN BEACH UPDATED LIST
- Umhlanga Main
- Mdloti Main
- Westbrook
- North Beach
- South Beach
- Point Beach
- Ushaka
- Addington
- Thekwini Beach
- Reunion
- Toti Main
- Umgababa
- Brighton
- Battery Beach
- Wedge Beach
- Bronze Beach
- Bay of Plenty
- Laguna
- Brighton
- Pipeline
- Warner Beach
- Winklespruit
SWIMMERS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS
eNCA reported on 26 December 2024 that the public has been urged to be cautious when swimming. Many deaths are recorded during the festive season. There is an average of about 1 500 drownings every year in South Africa.
Speaking to eNCA, NSRI Communications Manager, Andrew Ingram, said drownings around the country are on the rise. He said: “There have been a number of fatal drownings around the country, tragically involving children.”
‘DROWNING IS SILENT’
Ingram further explained what parents should do to ensure the safety of their kids. “Please parents and caregivers, watch your children when they are near water. When children are in water, they should be an arms length away from you so that you can help them if they get into difficulty. It’s important to remember that drowning is silent.”