Durban on high alert for festive season tourists in trouble

As the city of Durban is bathed in sunlight in the lead up to Christmas, emergency service personnel across the city are on high alert.

Paramedics and Search and Rescue police officers have been stationed at strategic points across the city and its golden mile.

KwaZulu-Natal EMS spokesperson Robert McKenzie said that medics had been stationed in key areas, as the influx of visitors to the city had already begun.

"Of particular focus has been the beachfront area, as well as the main road routes leading into Durban. Our personnel have been strategically deployed to deal with any eventuality," he said.

Over 1.4 million domestic and international tourists are expected to flood Durban during the course of the festive season.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said safety was a priority.

"To prepare for the high numbers of visitors to the beaches, 90 000 wrist bands have been procured. All children on the beachfront will be required to wear a wrist band which contains the details of their guardians. In the event that a child is separated from their guardian, 40 child-minders have been employed to look after them until they are reunited," she said.

An additional 113 seasonal lifeguards had also been deployed at various beaches. 

"Law Enforcement Officers will also be out in full force. Metro Police Officers, South African Police, security personnel and Beach Law Enforcement Officers will conduct regular patrols around the City, including on the beaches," she added.

Source: News24