last updated: 11 February 2026
The eThekwini Municipality has released its latest coastal water quality results, confirming that 17 of Durban’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet national safety standards, while six beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns.
For travellers, this means swimming is possible in many parts of Durban - but beach choice and up-to-date information remain important.
Current swimming conditions along Durban’s coastline
Durban’s warm Indian Ocean and long sandy beaches continue to attract visitors year-round. However, the latest results highlight that water quality conditions are still uneven along the coastline, with some popular beaches remaining off-limits.
Swimming, surfing and general beach recreation are currently possible at designated open beaches, but visitors should expect ongoing monitoring and potential changes.
How Durban monitors coastal water quality
The municipality runs a continuous coastal monitoring programme aimed at protecting public health. This includes:
- Routine seawater sampling at designated bathing beaches
- Laboratory microbiological testing
- Public release of official results
The latest testing shows that while the majority of monitored beaches comply with national guidelines, not all locations have yet returned to acceptable water quality levels.
Beaches currently open for swimming
The following 17 beaches in Durban are currently considered safe for recreational swimming, subject to continued monitoring:
- Point Beach
- uMgababa
- uShaka
- North Beach
- Bay of Plenty
- Wedge Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Winklespruit
- Westbrook
- mDloti Main Beach
- Anstey’s Beach
- Pipeline Beach
- Toti Main Beach
- uMhlanga Main Beach
- Bronze Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Thekwini Beach
Lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30 at these beaches.
Beaches still closed due to water quality concerns
The following beaches in Durban remain temporarily closed:
- Doonside Beach
- Addington Beach
- South Beach
- Country Club
- Battery Beach
- Reunion Beach
These closures remain precautionary and will stay in place until water quality improves.
Public swimming pools as an alternative
Durban operates around 40 municipal swimming pools, which provide a reliable alternative for families and travellers seeking controlled swimming conditions. Pools are maintained, monitored and supervised by lifeguards.
Safety advice for beach visitors
Water quality can change quickly, especially after heavy rainfall. Visitors are advised to:
- Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
- Follow official signage and municipal notices
- Avoid swimming after periods of heavy rain
Traveller takeaway
While most of Durban's monitored beaches are currently open, several well-known beaches remain closed, underlining the importance of checking the latest updates before heading to the coast. Conditions continue to be monitored, and further changes are possible as testing continues.
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