GEORGE NEWS - Over the festive season the town and beaches of George and surrounds were busy, keeping several municipal departments on their toes, but within reasonable levels.
George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said the shorter holiday meant overall figures had slightly dropped in comparison to previous years.
"We are very pleased with how the peak holiday season played out, with most citizens and holidaymakers giving their cooperation. We thank the public for their support - their assistance and attitude is a major help to ensure that everyone has a great time in our wonderful city," said Botha.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards on the six beaches under George municipal control reported a very busy season. Two people drowned (reported by NSRI on 16 and 26 December 2018), but six mass rescues (more than one person rescued at the same time), 31 single rescues and 44 help-outs were made.
Beaches were closed on a few occasions due to shark sightings and during the clean-up after a beached whale had to be euthanised in Wilderness. Protection Services Director Steven Erasmus commended the 80 lifeguards.
"While the limelight may have fallen on other agencies over the season, these committed individuals were giving their all."
Fire Department
The George Fire Department responded to 134 calls in the municipal area in December including seven at formal houses, 24 at informal houses, two at non-residential buildings, 27 car accidents and 33 grass fires. Other incidents included removal of snakes and pet rescues.
Law Enforcement reported one of the safest festive periods, mostly due to the combined efforts and interaction between all role players.
"There was a reduction in alcohol-related incidents. All possible prevention of alcohol use was in place to search, fine, confiscate or deny entry to beaches," said Erasmus.
A total of 113 litres of alcoholic beverages were confiscated by municipal law enforcement officers, while an unknown amount of alcohol was confiscated by the police, neighbourhood watch groups and SANParks.
A large number of fireworks were confiscated from illegal traders.
George municipal law enforcement officers search bags at the entrance to Victoria Bay beach.
Traffic Department
The Traffic Department reported a busy season in which four people died in three separate vehicle accidents at Herold's Bay, Thembalethu and Waboomskraal, and 108 other vehicle accidents happened across the municipal area.
Approximately 28 000 speeding offences were recorded on fixed and mobile speed cameras since December 2018.
The department arrested 25 drunken drivers, impounded 18 taxis for various offences, discontinued the use of 22 unroadworthy vehicles, wrote 341 parking tickets and issued 849 summonses.
Accommodation
George tourism manager Joan Shaw said local accommodation providers had lower overall occupancy than last year, but reported a good overall festive season.
The second year of the Take 5 environmental programme, which encourages beach-goers to take five pieces of plastic with them when they leave the beach, was a great success.
"We are also appreciative of the cleaning teams, who made a real effort to keep our beaches clean."
George Tourism had holiday activities at Herold's Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness beach and the Garden Route Mall, including distribution of tourism products and a "spin and win" competition which was well supported by locals and visitors.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
