Author: Nadine Payle

Drone footage taken by Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff shows off the scale of the fire and aviation equipment available to the George Fire and Disaster Management Department.

George Fire and Disaster Management Department officially launched the 2025/26 Fire Season on Friday, 5 December, at the Denneoord Air Base, highlighting the city’s heightened state of readiness for protecting the region during the high-risk summer period. The demonstration of firefighting resources included the 35 000-litre water tanker, several fire engines, 4×4 skid units, two Jet-RIBs, and a rubber ducks, command vehicles and a Rescue vehicle, with the total fleet valued at approximately R60 million.

Kishugu Aviation, one of Southern Africa’s leading providers of specialised aerial firefighting services, showcased their aerial fleet, including two Huey helicopters, a fixed-wing bomber, and two spotter planes. The impressive display brought together firefighters, aviation support crews, and disaster management officials committed to safeguarding the region.

Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson said that the start of fire season is a moment that demands both reflection and resolve. “Every summer, our firefighters stand on the frontline of danger. You are the men and women who stand between disaster and safety — between fear and calm, between loss and preservation. As we mark the readiness of our teams to face the season ahead, I want to acknowledge the incredible heroes among us. Because of what you do — the risks you take and the skills you bring — we can face this season with confidence.”

The Mayor thanked Kishugu Aviation for its longstanding partnership with George Municipality noting that the aerial firefighting capability stationed at Denneoord remains one of the municipality’s most critical tools in rapid wildfire response.
“These aircraft, alongside our ground crews, make the difference between a small, controllable fire and a major disaster. George is fortunate to have some of the best-trained teams in the country.”

MMC for Community Safety and Mobility, Ald Daniel Cronje emphasised that preventing fires is as important as fighting them. “Almost all major wildfires begin with human behaviour — whether accidental, careless, or deliberate. We urge residents to follow all fire restrictions, report smoke immediately, and avoid any open flames. With stricter water demand management measures in place and ongoing dry conditions, the margin for error is extremely small.” Alderman Cronje further thanked George Fire Services for their commitment to excellence, their passion for protecting others, and their determination to remain prepared for any eventuality. “This is what good governance looks like in action, and it is this level of preparedness that sets George apart as a leader in municipal safety and emergency response.”

Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard reassured the public that George Fire Services is fully prepared for emergencies on land or sea. The George Water Rescue Unit recently completed intensive beach-launch training with sea vessels at Wilderness Beach under the supervision of Fire Station Commander Johan Crouse. We now have 9 fully trained skippers ready to operate rescue vessels and provide essential support to the NSRI during sea rescue operations.”

Photographs by Dedrei Cloete

Fireworks Reminder
As the festive season approaches, residents are reminded that fireworks significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Fireworks may only be discharged in designated areas and never near vegetation, in residential suburbs, or on beaches. No designated area was approved for this season. Offenders may face fines or prosecution. Illegal fireworks should be reported immediately to law enforcement.

The George Municipality urges the public to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300 after hours.

Official Launch: Attending the Fire Season launch from left are Matthew Carter, Kushigu Aviation Chief Pilot, Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson, Divisional Commander Johan Brand, Deputy Mayor Ald Gert Van Niekerk and MMC Community Safety and Mobility, Ald Daniel Cronje.

Executive Mayor Browen Johnson (centre), flanked by Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation (left), and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Community Services (Refuse, Environmental and Parks), together with the George lifeguard team and law enforcement officers at the launch of the 2025/26 Blue Flag summer season at Herold’s Bay.

The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season on 1 December 2025 at Herold’s Bay Beach, one of the municipality’s fully accredited Blue Flag beaches. The day also marked the deployment of over 60 lifeguards across George’s beaches and public swimming pools for the festive season.

Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson hoisted the Blue Flag to signal the official start of the season, joined by Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk, Cllr Erika Brown (MMC for Community Services: Refuse, Environmental and Parks), Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw, councillors, senior officials, and the 2025/26 lifeguard team.

George proudly maintains three full-status Blue Flag beaches — Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay. In addition, Leentjiesklip Beach retains its status as a pilot Blue Flag site. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Johnson said: “Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness Beach have once again achieved full Blue Flag status, while Leentjiesklip continues as a valued pilot site. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our beautiful coastline — George truly is the ultimate summer destination.”

Highlighting the impact of the programme, Mayor Johnson added: “The Blue Flag recognition not only enhances George’s appeal to visitors but also strengthens the local economy. Our continued commitment to this programme reflects our promise of safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism.”

“Visitors can look forward to clean, well-maintained facilities, visible safety personnel, and high water-quality standards monitored by independent laboratories,” Mayor Johnson said.

About the Blue Flag Programme
The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme is managed in South Africa by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Sites must meet 33 stringent criteria covering:
• Water quality
• Environmental education
• Accessibility
• Safety and security
• Visitor facilities

WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete emphasised the importance of the programme: “Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols; they’re a promise. Each flag represents South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

WESSA conducts regular inspections throughout the season to ensure compliance. Failure to maintain standards may result in the temporary or permanent withdrawal of Blue Flag status.
Visitors are urged to comply with beach signage, follow directions from lifeguards and security personnel, and report concerns to the beach manager or WESSA (details displayed on site).

Lifeguard Deployment
Lifeguards will be stationed at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip as follows:

1–13 December 2025:
* Daily from 09:00–17:00

14 December 2025 – 28 February 2026:
* Daily from 07:00–19:00

1 March – 7 April 2026:
* Weekends, public holidays, and school holidays only, from 09:00–17:00
* Hours may be extended during good weather at Blue Flag sites.

Additional lifeguard sites (December–January):
* Gwaing River Mouth
* Wilderness Lagoon
* Steps Beach

From 8 April to 30 November 2026, no lifeguards will be on duty at beaches or swimming pools.
Strict Blue Flag regulations apply. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Blue Flag beaches. Non-compliance may result in fines, and repeated violations could jeopardise Blue Flag status.

George Receives Green Coast Award
George Municipality is also proud to announce that Gwaing Beach has received the Green Coast Award, recognising excellence in sustainable coastal management and community-led stewardship. This award further strengthens George’s reputation as a leading eco-friendly tourism destination along South Africa’s coastline.

For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and the full list of accredited sites, visit:
https://www.wessa.org.za/blue-flag/

Ends.