zoom KZN Lifesavers are friendly, informative and among the world's best at what they do.

On The Beach Safety Measures

1. Swim at beaches manned by lifeguards.

2. Due to KZN being a region blessed with eternally warm weather, our world renowned and highly trained lifeguards are on duty 365 days a year. This level of commitment has them consistently ranked amongst the best in the world.

3. KZN lifeguards are on duty from 8am to 5pm during our winter season(June to late August) and from 6 am to 6.30 pm during the our summer season which occupies the rest of the year.

4. You must obey all instructions of the lifeguards.

5. Swim between the beacons.

6. Alcohol has been cited as a major factor in drowning incidents, it is imperative therefore that you avoid mixing alcohol and swimming.

7. Individuals with a history of cardiac problems and/or heart ailments should refrain from swimming out to the further reaches of the sea. Rather, it is strongly suggested that you keep to the shallow part of the surf.

8. Night swimming is strongly discouraged.

9. Since most of KZN’s coastline is strongly protected by shark nets it is highly unlikely that you will be attacked by a shark/s.However, you should bear in mind that at dawn and at dusk are the times when you are most likely to encounter shark activity close to the beach.

10. The giant shoals of sardines that constitute KZN’s annual and highly celebrated “sardine run” are almost always followed by dolphin and shark activity. Be especially wary of venturing out far into the water at these times.

zoom A Warrior of the Ocean

11. It is compulsory that non-swimmers do not venture any further away from the shallow end of the surf.

12. Jumping from the pier into the sea is strictly prohibited.

13. Swimming close to the pier is strongly discouraged, as the strong rip currents that swirl around the pier are powerful enough to drag even the strongest swimmer out into deep and treacherous water.

14. While swimming in the surf, one should be especially wary of sidewashes (powerful river-like currents that surge from left to right and right to left) and backwashes (powerful river-like currents that push you further back into deep and treacherous water).

15. KZN lifeguards are there to assist you and educate you with any issues that require clarification regarding your time at the beach and in the surf.

16. Should you require any other assistance, KZN’s lifeguards are also trained as law enforcement officers and are able to immediately liase with all our emergency and security services.

17. The code of the beach is that non-motorised activities (such as swimmers, surfers etc) and motorised activities (boats, jetski’s etc) should both remain well clear of each other.

18. Further swimmers should remain well clear of surfers and vice-versa. Remember that areas for swimmers are always clearly demarcated on KZN’s beaches.

19. Fishermen are advised to remain well clear of all the activities described above.

20. If you never surfed in your life before, please do not attempt to now do so without proper supervision and training from an experienced friend or professional.

21. When encountering difficulties in the sea, raise one hand above your head.

22. Don’t confuse our lifeguards by waving at a friend while swimming- it could be interpreted that you are drowning.

23. Pretending to “drown” or playing games in the water that are dangerous is also strictly forbidden.

24. Remember to use adequate sun protection cream

zoom KZN's Horse Patrol at Full Gallop

ON THE BEACH –SECURITY MEASURES

1. Do not take glass bottles to the beach.

2. Alcohol is strictly forbidden on the beach.

3. Do not bring along valuables to the beach, always leave them behind and always endeavour to pack lightly for your trip to the beach.

4. Cellphones, cameras and other electronic equipment are best left in your hotel safe. Apart from being at risk and thus requiring your constant attention, these items are extremely sensitive to sea-sand and salt water.

5. Most of KZN’s beaches provide locker facilities where your personal items can be safely stored for a nominal fee. Check with lifeguards or the beach patrol for details and locations.