South Africans descend on beaches to ring in 2008

Fatality numbers on SA beaches have dropped due to police vigilance

In Port Elizabeth a slight drizzle didn't deter beach-goers from enjoying themselves as a record total of 360 000 people descended on beaches yesterday.

Police and municipal officials have described the crowds as well behaved but consumption of alcohol proved to be a great challenge.

Nelson Mandela Bay spokesperson, Lourens Schoeman, says entrance to Wells Estate had to be closed in the afternoon when it reached full capacity. He says seven children were re-united with their parents after they went missing during the day. Three people sustained injuries after either falling or diving into the kiddies' pool.

In Durban, nearly 50 000 people decided to spend New Year' day on the beachfront.

Meanwhile the NSRI says thanks to tighter controls at access points to public beaches in Cape Town - both the number of bathers and drownings have been significantly cut down.