WATCH: Charles Khumalo from Lifesaving SA on lifesavers' job security due to Durban beach closures
Up to 400 lifeguard jobs are on the line due to the beach closures...
When we heard about the beach closures it was quite disappointing, not to mention scary.
Disappointing because we really are quite attached to our beautiful coastlines and more than that we are also spoilt for choice.
Scary because we take our water safety for granted and the contamination is quite a serious problem.
Not just for us but for our marine life. Not to mention the effects on our beach heroes, the lifeguards.
Lifeguards are hired over seasons and this means that they rely heavily on their shift work.
And so it is sad to hear that many lifeguards have been left in limbo with the beach closure situation.
Charles Khumalo, a lifeguard who has been hired on a contract basis by the municipality has expressed his uneasiness surrounding the beach closures due to the dangerous E.coli levels.
Khumalo told IOL, "In addition to their jobs hanging in the balance, many are not training, life guards rely on training, and with the beaches being closed every other week, this unfortunately is not happening."
It is definitely another perspective when looking at the beach closures. Especially after the uncertain times that the pandemic caused and now this.
We can understand how stressful this must be for this industry, considering they rely on seasonal work.
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Another lifeguard, Brian Nxumalo shared that being out of work due to the contamination closure, has been very painful.
Especially considering her has two kids to support. He has been lifeguarding for a decade now and is heartsore over the closures.
"The following beaches remain closed: Brighton, Ansteys, Point, Ushaka, Addington, South, Wedge, North, Bay of Plenty, Battery, Country Club Thekwini, Laguna, Baggies and Reunion beaches." (IOL)
The municipality has said that the decision to retain lifeguards or not will be determined after more water tests are conducted. As of now, the authorities have advised that residents not engage in any water activities as it is not safe.
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