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Safety for Visitors

Safety for Visitors
Situated in a top tourist destination in South Africa, George has thousands of visitors every year. We want you to have a memorable stay in George Municipality, for all the right reasons!
Please note these safety tips while travelling in South Africa.

Useful Documents
Safety in the Mountains of George
Safety on Southern Cape Beaches
Lifeguards on public beaches and public swimming pools 
Rip Currents 
Watch this video on how to identify a rip current, and what to do if you get caught in one. (Courtesy of NSRI)
Identifying rip currents in Wilderness and Herold’s Bay 
Public Swimming Pool (Conville and Uniondale)
Blue Flag Beaches in George 1 December – 31 January – Wilderness Main Beach, Wilderness Lientjiesklip (Pilot), Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Gwaing Beach and River Mouth (Green Coast)
Where are Dogs allowed on the beach?

ACTIVE RAILWAY TRACKS
For your safety, please be aware that the Powervan is actively using the railway track in the Outeniqua Mountains with multiple daily trips. All hikers, cyclists, and visitors near the railway line should exercise caution.

Important Safety Guidelines:

  • Stay Off the Track: Avoid walking directly on or near the railway tracks, as the Powervan cannot stop quickly.
  • Supervise Children and Pets: Keep children close and pets on a leash.
  • Look Out for Signage: Warning signs have been placed along the route to indicate that the track is in use.

Help us keep this beautiful area safe for everyone—stay alert and mindful when near the railway.

 


SAFETY TIPS
Your mobile device:
Ensure you always have your mobile device with you and make sure it is charged for the day.
Create an ICE (In Case of Emergency) on your contact list with a number emergency staff can call if you can not speak for yourself.
If you do not have data roaming enabled on your mobile device, purchase a South African SIM card and load airtime.

This ensures you can always:
Obtain reliable directions from a source like Google Maps
Call a private taxi to pick you up if you do not feel safe
Call for help should there ever be an emergency

While exploring:
Avoid walking alone in deserted areas. Explore busy and well-lit areas.
It is not recommended that you carry large sums of cash.
Don’t allow strangers to help you at bank teller machines (ATMs). If you’re unsure of what to do, ask for assistance inside the bank.

In your vehicle:
Keep the doors locked and the windows up.
Do not leave any valuables visible in your vehicle when you park.
Never pick up strangers or hitch-hikers.
Park in well-lit areas at night.

 

At the beach or on the mountain:
Never swim alone on the beach. Please swim in areas that are supervised by a lifeguard.
Never swim in the sea, dams or rivers at night.
Avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.
When near water, children must always be supervised by a responsible adult who is not distracted.
Ensure children do not have access to pools, ponds, water features, baths, buckets of water or open toilets – young children can drown in as little as 4cm of water.
Ensure your swimming pool is covered with a pool net or enclosed with a SABS-approved fence to prevent children from accidentally falling into the water.
At the beach, only swim in designated areas with lifeguards and don’t swim far out.
Remember, swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool or dam, even for experienced swimmers.
Only dive into a body of water if you can see what is below the surface, and always be sure to test the depth first.
Never hike alone. Book a nature site guide to go with you or hike in access-controlled areas like the Garden Route National Park.

Be safe around our GO GEORGE buses:
Motorists should note that the GO GEORGE buses stop in the traffic lane from where they can quickly ease back into traffic after picking up passengers.

  • Always keep a safe following distance and expect the bus to stop at the next bus stop. Motorists should always be alert and aware that every bus stop is a possible stopping place for buses.
  • GO GEORGE bus drivers are required to give enough warning by using indicators or hazard lights when they plan to stop.
  • Please wait patiently behind the bus if traffic is busy.
  • You may overtake stationary buses, but only if it is absolutely safe to do so.
  • Be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing the street in the vicinity of the bus.

Using the bus:
You need a GO GEORGE Smart Card loaded with trips to board a bus.
Please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for directions to a kiosk where you can buy a card, and for any other enquiries about using the bus service.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS
George Municipality After Hours and Emergencies: +27 44 801 6300
TOLL FREE George Disaster Management Centre: 087 152 9999
Garden Route Disaster Management Centre: +27(0)44 805 5071
International Tourist Safety and Support: Ilze Jacobs +27 82 972 2507 or Ilze.Jacobs@westerncape.gov.za

POLICE
South African Police Services: 10111 from a landline or 112 from a cellphone
George Police Station: +27 44 803 4400 / 4733

AMBULANCE / HOSPITAL
Medi Clinic George (private hospital): +27 44 874 6777 (Emergency Department)
George Hospital (public hospital): +27 44 874 5122
Ambulance – National Number 10177

SEA RESCUE
National Sea Rescue Initiative (NSRI) +27 87 094 9774
Local NSRI Emergency Number +27 82 990 5955

FIRE
George Municipality Fire Department: +27 44 801 6311

SPCA
Emergencies 082 378 7348
Office 044 878 1990