Planning and partnerships deliver a safe festive season in George

GEORGE NEWS - Extensive planning, strong inter-agency cooperation and coordinated municipal operations ensured a safe and largely incident-free 2025/26 festive season in George, despite high visitor numbers and peak holiday activity.

According to a media statement issued by George Municipality on 7 January, services performed effectively throughout the festive period from 1 December to 5 January, with close collaboration between municipal directorates and key partners including Provincial Traffic, SAPS, NSRI, Community Policing Forums and forensic services.

Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw thanked officials and partner agencies for their commitment during an exceptionally demanding period.

“The success of the festive season reflects solid planning, teamwork and the dedication shown by municipal staff and our partners,” Louw said.

Mayor Browen Johnson echoed this sentiment, noting that the festive season was managed with minimal serious incidents.

“This is a clear reflection of effective planning, collaboration and responsible behaviour by both residents and visitors. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this a successful festive season for George,” Johnson said.

Beaches and public facilities

George’s Blue Flag beaches — including Wilderness Beach, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay — along with Leentjiesklip Beach (pilot Blue Flag), and Gwaing River Mouth and Beach (Green Coast), operated under heightened safety, environmental and operational standards. Lifeguards and emergency services were deployed throughout the festive period.

Between 13 December and 5 January, monitored beaches and public swimming facilities recorded approximately 214 407 visitors.

This figure excludes early December, meaning actual festive-period totals were higher.

Peak-day comparisons showed a noticeable decrease in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. On Christmas Day, 18 139 visitors were recorded in 2025 compared to 26 592 in 2024. New Year’s Day figures dropped from 42 578 visitors in 2025 to 29 049 in 2026.

NSRI operations

The National Sea Rescue Institute reported daily beach visitor numbers of between 720 and 800, with an estimated 240 to 320 swimmers per day. An average of 28 preventative actions were conducted daily, including rip-current warnings and water safety guidance.

A total of 42 operational incidents were recorded, including 29 first-aid cases, nine non-fatal rescues or swim assists, three medical escalations and one non-fatal drowning-related incident.

Emergency services response

Municipal Fire, Rescue and Medical Services responded to 223 incidents, including 167 fire-related incidents and 44 motor vehicle accidents. Five rescue operations, one aquatic operation and one environmental hazmat incident were also recorded.

Social Services assisted 27 households with essential relief items, while three pauper burials were conducted during the reporting period.

Law enforcement and traffic management

Strict enforcement of festive-season alcohol regulations, together with the continued prohibition of fireworks, contributed to reduced public disturbances, injuries and fire-related incidents. A total of 322 litres of alcohol were confiscated between December 2025 and early January 2026.

Traffic operations were conducted jointly with Provincial Traffic and SAPS, focusing on high-volume routes and coastal access roads. Authorities conducted 15 vehicle checkpoints and issued more than 30 000 speed-related fines.

Twenty-six arrests were made for driving under the influence, while 39 vehicles were impounded. Eight road fatalities were recorded during the period.

Planning, development and public transport

Despite the holiday period, municipal planning and development services remained active. Building Control processed 249 building plans, approved 86 applications and conducted 739 inspections.

Housing and Land Use Management addressed contraventions and provided emergency assistance to households in need.

The Go George public transport system recorded 484 706 passenger trips in December 2025, reflecting continued strong usage during the festive season.

Municipal customer services handled 893 call centre enquiries and 63 email enquiries over the five-week period.

The municipality concluded that the overall success of the festive season was the result of proactive planning, visible enforcement and cooperation between multiple agencies, supported by responsible public behaviour.

Emergency services at Herold's Bay.