George Municipality Ready to Welcome Visitors for a Safe and Exciting Festive Season
In the photo: Herold’s Bay – Accommodation bookings on popular online travel platforms show a 29% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) over the next month
George Municipality is gearing up for a bustling holiday season, with proactive measures in place to ensure safety and efficient service delivery across the area. Accommodation bookings on popular online travel platforms show a 29% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) over the next month, with over 19,369 nights already reserved. Occupancy rates are expected to peak between December 27 and 29 at 80%. An exciting events calendar—including Christmas markets, live music shows, and sports activities—promises a festive season to remember. The Festive Season Monitoring Committee, which began meeting in October and November, will continue with daily meetings throughout the festive season period to oversee operations.
This multi-stakeholder committee, comprising representatives from Municipal departments, SAPS, Provincial Traffic, SANParks, NSRI Wilderness, and lifeguard teams, will address crucial issues daily, including beach safety, parking, water quality, alcohol enforcement, fireworks regulation, and standard municipal services, to provide a secure and enjoyable experience in our beaches and CBD during the peak period.
George Municipality proudly maintains three Blue Flag beaches—Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay. Leentjiesklip Beach has retained its pilot Blue Flag status, and Gwaiing Beach and River Mouth have also maintained their Green Coast Awards. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, during which strict standards for water quality, safety, lifeguard presence, and facility maintenance are observed. As a reminder, dogs and other pets are prohibited from beaches unless otherwise specified by signage.
Our lifeguard services will be active daily from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, covering Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip, with hours from 9 am to 5 pm (1–13 December) and extended hours from 7 am to 7 pm (14 December–31 January). Gwaiing River Mouth, Wilderness Lagoon, and Steps Beaches will also have lifeguard coverage during these hours. Visitors can easily spot the lifeguard teams at our newly branded towers.
To ensure a safe environment, George Municipality enforces a strict no-alcohol policy on beaches and in public areas, supported by our law enforcement officers and beach monitors. There will be 32 Law Enforcement officers on duty with an additional 52 Beach monitors working on Community Safety over the festive season. There will be lifeguards employed at the Beaches with a dedicated response to any emergency incidents. Beachgoers are encouraged to cooperate with officials to maintain a pleasant and secure beach experience for everyone.
Fireworks are strictly regulated in George. According to municipal bylaws, no fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns, or similar items may be discharged outside designated areas, and no such areas have been assigned in George for this season. Violators face a R1,000 fine and possible charges of arson. Law Enforcement Services have initiated compliance inspections at shops across all areas, with fines issued to non-compliant vendors and confiscated fireworks handed to the SAPS Explosives Unit for disposal.
To improve traffic flow and prevent illegal parking, Drop-and-Go systems will be implemented at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness. An additional 12 reserve traffic wardens will assist at busy intersections, shopping malls, and beach access points, ensuring smooth operations and enhancing visitor convenience.
George Municipality looks forward to welcoming visitors and ensuring a memorable, safe festive season for all.
