KNYSNA NEWS - For a brief moment this past weekend, SANParks prohibited swimming at the East Head, around the NSRI Station 12 base, causing confusion among visitors and locals alike.
The area is a popular swimming spot in the estuary, with people able to wade into the shallow water and lounge around on the concrete walkways under welcome shade on hot summer days.
However, on Sunday 10 December, bathers were treated to the unwelcome sight that swimming was being prohibited, with a sign erected by SANParks.
The sign stated the reason behind the prohibition was that "recent levels of bacteria at this point exceed acceptable recreational levels" and warned bathers that they enter at own risk. This left visitors baffled, and without one of their favourite swimming spots.
However, according to Garden Route National Park spokesperson Phokela Lebea, the sign and prohibition were only temporary measures.
"The sign was erected as an interim alert to the public due to a sewage spillage close to the NSRI base at the Heads. This is close to the demarcated swimming area at the Heads," Lebea said.
He said they were initially unsure of how long the clean-up would take, which was the reason behind the sign being put up. But, there is good news.
It has been resolved and the area is now accessible. Locals and visitors can now once again enjoy a sunny summer day swimming at the East Head.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
