Lifesaving South Africa, a sea rescue organisation, has raised the alarm after several drowning incidents were reported along South Africa’s coastline, casting a shadow over the start of 2026 and leaving families and communities devastated.
The first two days of January were particularly tragic, beginning with a widely reported mass drowning at Pennington Beach. This was followed by reports of missing bathers at Ballito, Blue Water Bay (Gqeberha), Wedge Beach, South Beach, Country Club Beach (Durban), St Lucia (Jabula Beach), and most recently, Banana Beach on the South Coast, where a fisherman went missing.
By 6 January 2026, recoveries had been made in three cases, two in Durban and one at Pennington, while search and rescue operations continue for several others.
Lifesaving South Africa extended its condolences to affected families, emphasising the importance of swimming only at patrolled, lifeguarded beaches and within designated swimming zones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with families who continue to maintain vigils, hoping for the safe return of those still missing,” said Dhaya Sewduth of Lifesaving South Africa.
“Despite large numbers of beachgoers during the holiday period, very few drownings occurred during official lifeguard duty hours. This highlights the critical importance of swimming only at patrolled beaches and adhering to lifesavers’ guidelines.”
The organisation also warned against entering the water at non-patrolled beaches or outside lifesaver duty hours, stressing that January remains a particularly high-risk period.
Special attention was urged for children, as many parents have returned to work while schools and universities remain closed. The hot weather encourages children to play in and around water, increasing the risk of accidental drownings.
Parents and caregivers are advised to follow these safety measures:
• Maintain adult supervision at all times, keeping young children within arm’s reach.
• Secure residential swimming pools with locked gates and pool covers, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
• Ensure children visiting friends or attending stayovers are supervised and their swimming abilities are known.
• Instruct children to swim only at lifeguarded beaches, staying between the red and yellow flags.
• Discourage horseplay in pools and open water, as rough play can quickly lead to serious incidents.
“Even an accidental kick to another child’s head can cause them to lose consciousness and sink. Without immediate rescue and CPR, such incidents can turn fatal very quickly,” Sewduth added.
As rescue efforts continue, Lifesaving South Africa urges all beachgoers and parents to remain vigilant and prioritise water safety during the peak holiday season.
Saturday Star