GEORGE NEWS - George is expecting yet another bumper festive season for December with accommodation booking figures for the area up by 12% on last year.
The municipality continues to focus on safety and service delivery during the festive season. The annual Festive Season Monitoring Committee has already met in October and November in preparation of the daily meetings to be held from 1 December.
The multi-stakeholder committee includes representation from all of the municipal departments as well as the police, SANParks, NSRI Wilderness and Lifeguard representatives.
Blue flags
The municipality is the proud recipient of three blue flags - Wilderness, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beach.
Leentjiesklip beach is a new pilot blue flag beach and the Gwaiing beach and river mouth has been awarded a Green Coast Award.
The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024 and compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities.
The public is reminded that no dogs or other animals are allowed on the beaches, unless there are signs that identify any allowed times and areas.
No alcohol on beaches
George Municipality has a zero-alcohol policy applicable to beaches and other public areas, which will be strictly enforced by our law enforcement officers, ably assisted by beach monitors to ensure safe beaches for everyone.
The public is warned that prohibited substances, weapons, alcohol, fireworks etc will be confiscated and that fines can be issued.
Rules on fireworks
George has strict firework legislation and according to the by-law no person/s may discharge fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia outside of a designated fireworks area.
There is no designated fireworks area in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework or flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern, an immediate fine of R1 000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.
Law Enforcement Services together with other role players have already started with a compliance campaign and inspections at shops in all areas.
Traffic flow and the prevention of illegal parking will be undertaken at all beach areas and the successful drop-and-go systems will once again be implemented at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Wilderness.
An additional 30 pointsmen/women are already assisting at busy traffic intersections and shopping malls, at beaches to close off roads, and with drop-and-go areas.
Emergency numbers
Municipality
George Municipality after hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
Toll-free George Disaster Management Centre: 087 152 9999
Garden Route Disaster Management Centre: 044 805 5071
International Tourist Safety and Support: Ilze Jacobs 082 972 2507 or Ilze.Jacobs@westerncape.gov.za
Police
South African Police Services: 10111 from a landline or 112 from a cellphone
George Police Station: 044 803 4400 / 4733
Ambulance/hospitals
Mediclinic George (private hospital): 044 874 6777 (emergency department)
George Hospital (public hospital): 044 874 5122
Ambulance: national number 10177
Sea Rescue
National Sea Rescue Initiative (NSRI): 087 094 9774
Local NSRI emergency number: 082 990 5955
Fire emergencies
George Municipality Fire Department: 044 801 6311
SPCA
Emergencies: 082 378 7348
Office: 044 878 1990
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