The eThekwini Municipality has taken swift action to ensure public safety by closing several popular beaches in Durban, as the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board removes shark safety gear ahead of severe weather conditions. This precautionary measure affects key beaches including Thekwini Beach, Country Club Beach, Laguna Beach, Brighton Beach, Westbrook Beach, Bronze Beach, uMhlanga Main Beach, and Umgababa Beach. The closures will remain in place until further notice, with municipal officials urging beachgoers to stay away.
The closure comes as the city braces for harsh weather, with strong south-southwesterly winds expected to reach speeds of 30 to 50 km/h. The forecast also predicts a 90% chance of rain, with a high humidity level hovering at 72% during the day and rising to 80% overnight. Temperatures will reach a mild 25°C on Wednesday, January 15, but the conditions are expected to remain damp, with rainfall accumulating up to 6mm throughout the day.
Given the impending storm, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has removed the shark safety gear from the affected beaches, which is standard procedure during adverse weather. The heavy rains and rough waves can jeopardize the stability of the shark nets, posing additional risks to swimmers who might unknowingly venture into dangerous waters. In such conditions, the removal of safety gear is essential to prevent any potential mishaps.
The municipality’s primary concern is public safety, emphasizing that the closures are necessary to avoid serious injury or worse. They are advising the public to respect the warnings and avoid the affected beaches until the safety measures can be reinstated and the weather clears. Anyone found on the beaches during the closure may be putting themselves at significant risk, with authorities warning of the dangers of swimming in unpredictable weather.
With Durban’s weather forecast showing no immediate signs of improvement, the eThekwini Municipality has asked the public to stay informed and monitor for updates on when the beaches will be reopened. For now, those hoping to hit the sand are urged to make alternate plans while the municipality and the Sharks Board work to restore the safety measures necessary for safe beach access.
