Swimming at own risk

Bathers at Port St Johns beaches will be risking their lives this long weekend as there are no lifeguards on duty.

This is due to an impasse between the local municipality and lifeguards who complain that their contracts have not been renewed by the local authority.

Port St Johns has nine beaches in which lifeguards are deployed: First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, Manteku, Mtambalala, Poenskop, Mngazi, Mngazana and Mpande beaches. None of these had lifeguards on duty yesterday.

Lifeguard William James said: “We were usually deployed to all the beaches in the past. Second Beach has a lot of people that come to swim.

“All the lodges in town are full.

“All we want is to be employed and that we are safe. When someone is killed by a shark the family should get benefits. We only get paid a stipend, we do not get benefits. We are given pocket money. It’s been like this for six years. Every year they say there is no budget and they promise that things will get better the following year,” said James.

“A thank you from someone you have just saved from drowning is priceless but we have to make a living,” lifeguard Siphosoxolo Njiva said.

Last week PSJ mayor Phikolomzi Langa promised that there would be lifeguards this week. He accused lifeguards of greed.

When phoned yesterday, he said lifeguards were available. “Everything is still under control as per the management report.”