THE combination of smaller crowds and stricter controls saw Alkantstrand enjoy its most peaceful New Year’s Day in a decade.
‘The SAPS were fantastic, with Brigadier Zondi himself leading from the front with his continual presence,’ said City Beach Manager, Shakes Hiraman.
‘They confiscated alcohol, thus limiting the number of incidents to a few minor ones, while our lifeguards ensured bather safety by restricting swimmers to Newark Beach.
‘The beach concert also gave the youth something to dissipate their energy and created a good vibe.
‘There were no surf rescues worth reporting and we stayed on patrol at the beach until 7pm.’
Hiraman said many people this year chose other venues such as the Bay Hall, Naval Island, Palm Beach and the Mzingazi Canal as recreational areas, leaving numbers at Alkantstrand far below normal for this time of year.
‘I estimate the total number of people at all the bodies of water to be about 50 000, which is half of what we normally get at Alkantstrand alone.
‘It can also be that the novelty of going to the beach and battling in the crowds and traffic has worn off,’ said Hiraman.
‘And may I add that the City Traffic Department did a wonderful job of controlling the flow of traffic given the limited number of beach access roads at our disposal.’
