Garden Route officials ramping up for your safety

GEORGE NEWS - As the calendar year draws to a close, ushering in the festive season, police in the Garden Route District asks all residents and visitors to remain vigilant at all times in the interest of their own safety and that of others.

While the police and others in law enforcement agencies have bolstered deployments at tourist destinations, visitors are asked to adhere to safety precautions and always know what is going on around them.

"Since the launch of the Safer Festive Season programme on 13 October the police, together with other law enforcement agencies, embarked on targeted operations, vehicle check points, raids, foot patrols, search and seizers, roadblocks and other crime-fighting initiatives in a bid to ensure that everyone feels safe," said Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies.

More police cadets are also expected to add to the boots on the ground in the Garden Route next week.

Police Minister Bheki Cele earlier announced that 10 000 police officers have been recruited across the country. The new recruits will officially join the police on Friday 15 December after completing their recruitment programme.

Visitors are asked to adhere to safety precautions and always know what is going on around them.

Tips to keep you safe

Beaches: Do not leave any valuables unattended when visiting the beach. Rather leave unnecessary items at home. Also don't leave any valuables inside your car where they can be seen from the outside.

Cards: Take extreme caution when paying with your card at points of sale and online. Decline help from strangers at the ATM and do not be distracted while transacting.

Stokvel: Do not have your stokvel or savings clubs dividends paid out in cash. Don't carry large sums of money on you. Members of the public are cautioned against carrying large sums of cash.

Night clubs: Only visit reputable establish-ments. Once you are inside, be mindful of what you consume and always tell loved ones where you are.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or crime to the police emergency number, 10111. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 or 112 from a mobile telephone.

Despite the fact that George police and other law enforcement agencies have bolstered deployments, it is essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times.

Provincial traffic kicks into higher gear

During the festive season, the provincial traffic department in the Garden Route will focus on high visibility patrols on all major routes (N2, N9, N12, R339) as well as secondary routes.

According to Chief Provincial Inspector Quinton Williams, their daily operations will include interprovincial corridor operations with other provinces, pedestrian awareness programmes, fatigue management of drivers using our roads, vehicle fitness operations to ensure roadworthiness, speed enforcement at strategic and dangerous locations, public transport and drunken driving operations to ensure legal compliance.

"I want to wish all our travelling motorists a safe festive season, and I hope that all will voluntarily comply with the rules of the road," said a very hopeful Williams.

Festive Monitoring Committee

George Municipality anticipates a thriving festive season this December with a 12% increase in accommodation bookings on the previous year.

Prioritising safety and service delivery, the Festive Season Monitoring Committee, comprising various stakeholders including the police and NSRI Wilderness, meet daily since 1 December.

Blue flags adorn Wilderness, Herold's Bay, and Victoria Bay beach, with Leentjiesklip beach as a new pilot blue flag beach. Gwaiing beach and river mouth received a Green Coast Award. Lifeguards will be stationed at designated Blue Flag beaches and other areas from 1 December to 31 January, ensuring public safety.

Strict regulations prohibit alcohol, fireworks and pets on beaches, with law enforcement officers ensuring compliance. A zero-alcohol policy, traffic management, and prevention of illegal parking are integral to ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all.

Stringent firework legislation is enforced, with fines and potential charges for non-compliance. Increased pointsmen/women assist with traffic control and the drop-and-go system at popular beach areas.

Traffic roadblocks will be a frequent sight in the Garden Route over the Christmas holiday.

Health services in the Western Cape

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said the department anticipates an increase in trauma and emergency incidents during the festive season and is preparing emergency centres and emergency medical services (EMS) for the heightened demand.

Healthcare facilities are reallocating resources, ensuring sufficient supplies, and decreasing elective procedures.

Western Cape EMS expects to respond to around 60 000 calls between 15 December and 15 January, with strategic placement of personnel and vehicles along major highways.

There will again be a strong emphasis on ensuring effective pre-hospital treatment, stabilisation for serious illness and injuries, and transport to definitive care for residents and visitors of the Western Cape.

Health Minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo