Closed beaches leaves KZN lifeguards’ livelihoods hanging in the balance

Following a short recovery form the devastating floods about 18 beaches along the eThekwini municipality's coastline are now closed due to poor water quality and the banning of activities. 

Charles Khumalo from Lifesaving SA, says this is a huge concern which jeopardises their physical training programmes as well.

"Lifeguards rely on December holiday season to get jobs that may be for example, they will work from October to April."

READ: Poor water quality leads to eThekwini beach closures

"So every year that is how they make money, so it affects so much on Lifeguards when beaches are being closed." 

He says it's painful because everyone who relies on the beach is affected by closures.

"Not only Lifeguards are going to suffer. Tourists are not going to come and enjoy themselves. 

"Security guards and waitresses at the beachfront will also be affected, so who is going to the beachfront when the beaches are closed."