Be considerate and act responsibly this New Year’s Eve
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk today (30 December 2021) wished everyone a safe and peaceful new year. “We should all remember to adhere to the health and safety guidelines during the holiday season. We have together faced the many challenges of 2021 and the George Council sends our best wishes to all residents and visitors for the blessings the New Year holds!“
BEACH ACCESS
Beaches, grassy areas and parking lots at beach sites remain open to the public and will be monitored by municipal Law Enforcement officials , beach monitors and SAPS in terms of adherence to municipal by-laws including the consumption of alcohol, fireworks etc.
LIFEGUARDS
Lifeguards are on duty at Gwaing Beach, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Leentjiesklip and Wilderness Salina’s on a full-time daily basis until 31 January 2021. They are at beaches in the George municipal area from 7 am-7 pm every day, including weekends and public holidays. Please swim between the Lifeguards Flags.
Wilderness – No swimming under the bridges, in the Mouth of the river due to dangerous streams and deep slopes, left of the Main Beach, at Kleinkrantz due to no lifeguards present.
PLEASE SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS AT BEACHES AND OBEY LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTIONS.
PARKING, DROP AND GO, COLLECTION POINTS AT BEACHES
George Traffic appeals to motorists to please park considerately and not to cause any traffic obstructions. If any vehicle is found to be contravening traffic law and causing a disruption to traffic flow, either through parking, blocking entrances or any other violation, they will be prosecuted. VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED away if they are causing a traffic hazard. Traffic Controllers are assisting at the beaches and Separate Drop and Go/Collection Points will be designated to allow for the collection of large groups of passengers on Saturday 1 January 2021 at each beach site. Traffic officials and pointsmen will assist with the smooth flow of traffic for safe access and exiting of the beach areas.
NO FIREWORKS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED
Municipal traffic officials together with provincial traffic officials will hold several roadblocks to ensure compliance with the municipal by-laws and the Road Traffic Act. Offenders are warned that a policy of zero tolerance will be followed and that strict action will be taken against non-adherence to municipal by-laws.
Our Law Enforcement Officials aided by 30 beach monitors will be deployed to enforce and implement the ZERO TOLERANCE OF ALCOHOL ON OUR BEACHES. Beachgoers should take note that NO DRINKING is allowed at beaches, any open space, car parks, in or outside vehicles at these places. Law Enforcement will adopt a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE for any person who wants to enter the beach areas under the influence of alcohol, who tries to enter the beach area with alcohol and/or use alcohol while on beaches.
We encourage all beachgoers to assist our officials in ensuring that their day at the beach is a safe and pleasant experience. . Please do not drive under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all beach areas under the control of the George Municipality which include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip areas. We encourage all beachgoers to assist our officials in ensuring that their New Year’s Eve and Day at the beach is a safe and pleasant experience
The George Municipality reminds residents and visitors that fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia are considered a major fire risk and are not allowed in public or private spaces in the municipal area. Under the George Municipal Community Fire Safety By-Law no fireworks may be discharged and there are no designated sites for fireworks in the George municipal area. Should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.
Report illegal trade and setting off of fireworks to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 (a/h)
Report illegal, irresponsible and unsafe fires to the Fire Department on 044 801 6300 with fire emergencies reported to 044 801 6311
NO DOGS ON BEACHES
George Municipality wishes to again remind all dog owners that NO dogs are allowed on any of George’s beaches (SAND areas) at any time as per the Municipal By-Law. The municipality has attained Blue Flag status as well as Pilot Blue Flag status for Wilderness Beach, Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay and to adhere to the Blue Flag international standards we are strictly enforcing this regulation this festive season. Dog owners are therefore urged to keep dogs on a leash and off the sandy areas at the beaches. This regulation is clearly visible on our regulation signage boards located at each beach area.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES
All George Municipal offices will close at 13h00 on 31 December 2021 with the exception of the Traffic Department, Vehicle Testing Station and Motor Vehicle Registration offices that will close at 12h00. Emergency and other essential services will continue during these periods.
044 801 9111 Work Hours
044 801 6300 After Hours
044 801 6311 Fire Only
044 801 6316 Disaster Management
COVID-19 preventive measures:
Carefully maintain a 1.5-meter distance between yourself and the next person. This is especially important should you have to queue anywhere.
Wear your face mask diligently, and always ensure that the rest of your family wear their masks. The face mask helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The correct and consistent wearing of a face mask when in public remains mandatory and is a punishable offence if not adhered to.
Disinfect and/or wash your hands regularly, especially before touching objects handled by other persons and before touching your face.
Keep your family gatherings small and keep the curfew in mind.