Durban’s beaches have once again become a magnet for festive-season crowds, with thousands of locals and holidaymakers flocking to the coastline daily.
But behind the holiday atmosphere, lifeguards say they are under growing pressure to keep beachgoers safe.
Lifeguards under pressure at Durban beaches
Lifesavers are urging the public to follow beach safety guidelines and obey instructions, warning that failure to do so could result in serious injuries or fatalities.
According to eNCA, Lifesaving South Africa said that the festive season consistently ranks as one of the most demanding periods for emergency responses along the coast.
Dhaya Sewduth from Lifesaving South Africa said that both volunteer and professional lifeguards are currently on duty, supported by seasonal workers from metro police and other law enforcement agencies to help manage large crowds.
However, Sewduth highlighted that alcohol and substance use remain one of the biggest safety challenges on Durban’s beaches.
“Alcohol impairs balance, judgement and coordination,” he said, adding that lifeguards regularly have to intervene when intoxicated swimmers enter dangerous areas or ignore designated swimming zones.
He explained that some beachgoers even become hostile when asked to leave unsafe areas.
“There are cases where people are so inebriated that when lifeguards blow them out of zones where they shouldn’t be swimming, they become abusive towards the lifeguards,” Sewduth said.
Durban’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations adds further pressure, with Sewduth noting that municipalities could do more to strengthen safety measures during peak periods.
“Durban is South Africa’s playground,” he said, adding that increased investment in lifeguard staffing would help manage the growing number of visitors during the festive season.
With warm weather and packed beaches expected to continue, lifeguards are reminding the public that a safe beach day depends on cooperation, awareness, and respect for the rules designed to prevent tragedy.
