New lifeguard tower for Gwaiing beach

GEORGE NEWS - A brand-new lifeguard tower was installed at Gwaiing beach last week. The initial tower was destroyed in a deliberate fire by individuals who also vandalised the ablution facility at the beach area during March and April last year.

According to George Fire Chief Neels Barnard, the new fibreglass structure, which costs R140 000, is a patent design of a local company that has the sole mandate to produce these towers.

Barnard appealed to the community of George to please help protect the municipality's resources. This tower is used during lifesaving season to assist bathers at the beach and make their experience pleasant and safe.

The ablution facilities that were also vandalised at the time cost the municipality about R30 000 to repair. The ablution facility's toilets, windows and pipes were all damaged and broken. Criminal charges were laid following the incidents.

Help stop vandalism

Vandalism is a crime and ultimately costs ratepayers money. Please report people who are tampering, painting (graffiti), breaking or stealing municipal property to the police and George Municipality Law Enforcement (on 044 801 6350 during work hours or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening.

If you can take photos of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself, it will help a lot.

The municipality has replaced the lifeguard tower at Gwaiing beach, which was deliberately set to fire by vandals last year, at a cost of R140 000. Vandalism costs money to repair - which comes from ratepayers' pockets.