PUBLIC NOTICE: DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS – NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER 2024

George Municipality urges the public and visitors to exercise extreme caution at all beaches under its jurisdiction, as there will be no lifeguards on duty until the end of November 2024. The affected beaches include:
• Wilderness Main Beach
• Wilderness Lagoon
• Wilderness Steps
• Wilderness Lientjiesklip
• Victoria Bay Beach
• Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp
• Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal Pool

Beware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong, fast-moving flows of water running from the beach back to the open ocean, sea, or lake. They are one of the most dangerous natural hazards, capable of moving at speeds of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) per hour and can be more than 45 meters (150 feet) wide.

How to Spot a Rip Current:
• Deeper and/or darker water.
• Fewer breaking waves.
• Sandy-colored water extending beyond the surf zone.
• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water flanked by areas of breaking waves and whitewater.
• A channel of churning or choppy water distinct from the surrounding water.
• A difference in water color, such as an area of muddy-appearing water due to sediment and sand being carried away from the beach.

For more information on how to identify rip currents and stay safe, please watch the following videos:

https://youtu.be/9GBUBDMENfw?si=Pe_EUU7qUaiWTqVS

Essential Phone Numbers:
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach: 082 990 5955
George Fire Department: 044 803 6311
Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
George Municipality After Hours: 044 803 6300

Stay safe and vigilant when visiting our beaches.