SAPS, Metro Police, and other role players in safety and security were out in force today, in a massive show of force. This included roadblocks where motor vehicles were searched, and car and driver’s licences checked. Stop and search activities were also in place for pedestrians.
This was part of an initiative launched by Nelson Mandela Bay MMC, Stagg Mitchell, following the chaos on the beach last weekend.
At a meeting earlier this week MMC Mitchell vowed to “take the beach back” as he had done in Summerstrand the previous weekend. The meeting was organised by VF Plus Bluewater Bay and Swartkops Branch Chairperson, Lilian-Mari Slabbert and the Club,
SAPS and Metro Police will also undertake regular patrols on the beach and be on standby to respond to any calls for assistance.
All of the above has come as good news to the Bluewater Bay lifeguards who experienced a torrid time last weekend. Numerous beachgoers were openly drinking in the parking area. Some even tried to take their alcohol onto the beach. Some beachgoers urinated in public, and behind the dysfunctional public ablution block.
This morning (Saturday), portable public toilets were installed in the parking area. One must ask the question: “Why were the ablution blocks not attended to before the festive season?” It is also debatable whether there are sufficient numbers of toilets.
The Club has also made available its Nipper room on the beach as a temporary office for the various security services.
Bluewater Bay and Swartkops Ratepayers Association Chairman, Les Strydom, welcomed Saturday’s activities. He expressed the hope that a high visibility SAPS and Metro Police presence would also be seen on the two expected busy days – 26 December and 1 January 2024.
Mr Strydom said he was concerned about the additional stress that would be placed on the Bluewater Bay beach due to the swimming embargo on the New Brighton Beach. That beach has been closed due to poor water quality.
SAPS has also opened an operational centre in a mobile unit at Wells Estate.
As usual, the beach will be manned by volunteers of the Bluewater Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and municipal lifeguards. They will be assisted on the beach parking area by Neighbourhood Watch/iPatrol.
The lifesaving club is urging beachgoers to obey the lifeguards and only swim between the flags, and where and when lifeguards are on duty.
