Festive warning as three drownings reported

BCM has called on the “thousands” of expected beachgoers this festive season to “exercise caution”.

BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya, said: “This follows three drowning incidents in the last week, which spiked the toll to five drownings since September 2018, with three fatalities and two rescues.”

The city issued the following water safety tips to holidaymakers visiting the beaches:

● Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or other substances;

● Swim in demarcated areas – no flags, no swimming;

● Never swim alone;

● Obey the lifeguards;

● Do not swim after hours;

● Avoid river mouths and rocky areas;

● Swim where there is a lot of white water;

● Swim in a bathing costume, as clothing drags you down;

● Do not swim out of your depth;

● If in trouble, stay calm and alert the lifeguards by waving your hands above your head.

● In rip currents where you cannot make it back to shore, swim sideways until you are in the white water and let the waves wash you to shore.

The city issued the following water safety tips when visiting the beaches