Five drown off Durban beaches

Five people are reported to have drowned at Durban's beaches yesterday. Provincial Lifesavings SA spokesperson, James Ross, says this brings the total number of drownings on the KwaZulu-Natal beaches during the festive season to 18.

Ross described the drownings as unfortunate and unnecessary. Ross says the drownings could have been avoided if people swam in designated areas.

Meanwhile yesterday two children, aged nine and 10, drowned at Gulu River in Kidds Beach outside East London. Police say they were swimming in the river when they got into difficulty. Their bodies have been recovered.