The list with drowning- and near drowning incidents is long this season, once again. The phenomenon of drowning- and near-drowning is not taken seriously in South-Africa, that's clear to us. Drowning of tourists in the sea off the South African coasts is a huge problem, yet touristic sector, as well private as public, doesn't see it as its problem. Tourists' safety and security is restricted to protect the tourist against criminality, yet not making sure he or she is safe at the beach and in the sea.

Ten people have drowned along Port Elizabeth beaches since the beginning of the summer holidays. Two more are still missing. During the same period 16 people have drowned in Kwazulu Natal in Richards Bay, Ramsgate and Port Stepstone.

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/6b7160804259ab2699a6fb56d5ffbd92/Another-drowning-in-KZN
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Man-swept-out-to-sea-drowns-20131231
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Man-drowns-youth-missing-in-PE-20140101
http://www.nsri.org.za/2014/01/incidents-for-1st-and-2nd-january/
http://stfrancischronicle.com/2014/01/12/man-drowns-at-port-edward/

On Durban South Beach, a 17-year-old was swept out to the sea. He got into a serious but stable condition with near-drowning symptoms. Lifeguards also had to rush to the rescue when a group of 10 people nearly drowned at the same beach.

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=112187