Lack of lifeguards puts bathers at risk

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has only five permanent lifeguards responsible for beach protection, even though it needs 32 more to safeguard at least 16 bathing areas along the municipality's coastline.

This is according to a report by the acting executive director of sports, recreation, arts and culture Charmaine Williams.

Her department did not have the budget to employ more full-time lifeguards and thus relied on contractual lifeguards at most of the beaches, she said. – Rochelle de Kock