KwaZulu-Natal: KZN Sharks Board strike continues - most beaches not safe for swimming!

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) is still experiencing industrial action with its labour force. Due to the limited forces available, the organisation has had to temporarily reduce the number of protected beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. Bathing is currently open at the following beaches:

• North Coast: Willards Beach (Ballito Bay main beach), Umhlanga Rocks main beach
• Durban: Ushaka to Bay of Plenty Beach inclusive
• South Coast: St Michaels, Uvongo, Lucien, Margate, Ramsgate, Southbroom, San Lameer
  

Visitors to the beaches are requested to check with the lifeguards prior to entering the water at any of the non-mentioned beaches.

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) maintains shark nets and drum lines off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal to protect bathers and surfers from shark attacks at a total of 37 beaches. Most of the shark nets deployed by the KZNSB are 214m long and 6m deep and are secured at each end by two 35kg anchors; all have a stretched mesh of 51cm. The nets are laid in two parallel rows approximately 400m offshore and in water depths of 10-14m.