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16 Aug 2017

Dolphin Coast beaches closed for heavy weather

Allan Troskie (North Coast Courier) Picture: All the Dolphin Coast's beaches will be closed to swimmers. Stock image.

 

In order to protect marine wildlife, the decision was made to lift all the shark nets while the bad weather lasts.

The severe weather conditions expected to hit SA over the next few days has not only raised concerns about snow and road conditions, but has also forced the closure of all the beaches along the Dolphin Coast.

KwaDukuza Lifeguard Supervisor Bongani Xulu told The Courier that the Sharksboard had lifted the shark nets today (Wednesday) in anticipation of heavy swells and dangerous beach conditions.

“All the beaches will be closed to swimmers from tomorrow,” said Xulu.

“We had originally planned to try keep Salt Rock and Thompson’s Bay beaches open but due to a lot of whale activity of late the decision was made to lift the nets there too.

“The last thing we want is a situation where a whale gets wrapped up in a net in the middle of a storm.”

Xulu said they would assess the conditions each day but that he expected the beaches to remain closed for three days.

“Lifeguards will be on duty but they will be there to make sure nobody is swimming.

“Please, if you see a red flag – and there will be red flags – that means absolutely no swimming is allowed.”