GEORGE NEWS - Beachgoers are being urged to take extra caution after George Municipality confirmed that no lifeguards will be deployed at any municipal beaches until the start of the summer season.
According to a municipal notice issued this morning, Wednesday 24 June, beaches and public swimming pools under the municipality's jurisdiction have been operating without lifeguard services since early April and will remain without these services until 30 November.
The affected beaches are Wilderness Main Beach, Wilderness Lagoon, Wilderness Steps, Wilderness Lientjiesklip, Victoria Bay, Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp, and Herold's Bay Beach and tidal pool.
The municipality has also closed the Conville and Uniondale municipal swimming pools until 30 November.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take additional precautions when visiting the coastline during the winter months.
Safety recommendations include swimming with a companion, avoiding alcohol before entering the water, learning to recognise rip currents, wearing life jackets when using watercraft, and ensuring children receive swimming lessons from an early age.
The municipality also warned against diving headfirst into unfamiliar water, noting that serious spinal injuries can occur.
Beach users are encouraged to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and help keep beaches free of litter.
Although no lifeguards will be stationed on the beaches, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach will continue to support the municipality and can be contacted on 082 990 5955 in emergencies.
The municipality's Disaster Management Centre can be reached toll-free on 0800 424 477, while fire and after-hours emergencies can be reported on 044 801 6311 and 044 801 6300 respectively.
Beachgoers are reminded that they enter the water at their own risk until lifeguard services resume on 1 December.
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