LOOK: Hundreds of bathers flock to Umhlanga beach despite lockdown regulations
Officials in eThekwini are urging the public not to swim at the city's beaches as this is still not allowed.
Newswatch visited Umhlanga Beach this afternoon.
It was swarming with bathers - many of them holidaymakers from Gauteng - making the most of the long weekend and Durban sunshine - after months spent in lockdown.
Some say they weren't aware bathing was still prohibited.
KZN Sharks Board notice placed at the uMhlanga beach where hundreds of bathers have gathered. pic.twitter.com/ACCvCO6xaC
— Logic Malinga (@Logic_Malinga) September 25, 2020
This Johannesburg woman says her family has been dying to leave the house.
"We are from Johannesburg and we wanted to get a break from work and the lockdown. We wanted to come down for the long weekend."
This 13-year-old local boy who was at the beach with his father says he's missed catching some waves.
"We are having a good day at the beach and enjoying the weather, but there is a lot of people here."
The KZN Sharks Board says the process of installing shark nets at all public beaches is still underway.
Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela asked bathers to bear with them for a few more days as they prepare to reopen the beaches for bathing on the 1st of October.
"Walk on the promenade, walk on the sand but bathing is not allowed."
He says they are not doing this with the intention to threaten the public but its more about safety.
"The nets have been recently installed but requires a couple of days to sink and be safe enough for sharks to approach the area."
WATCH:
WATCH: Members of the public take advantage of the warm weather at the Umhlanga Beach. @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/YL8g8Nghns
— Logic Malinga (@Logic_Malinga) September 25, 2020
