KZN Beach Fail: Couple Falls Ill After Swimming, Meds Sold Out Due to Similar Cases

• After swimming at a beach in KwaZulu-Natal, a couple shared that they got sick and couldn't find the necessary medication as it was sold out
• A local shared that he was aware of a problem affecting the area but couldn't specify the location
• Some social media users shared similar experiences, while others were familiar with the negativity surrounding the beach

Summer is in full swing, and many flock to the beach to soak up the festive season's sunshine. Unfortunately, for one couple (and many others), what began as a relaxing getaway ended with an unexpected illness.

Beach causes alleged illness

A local woman took to her TikTok account (@tinastravels95) and shared that she and another man were excited to swim at Uvongo Falls Beach in KwaZulu-Natal for the day. However, after a dip in the waters, they fell ill.

The woman wrote in her post:

"Apparently, DisChem's medication is sold out. That's how many people are sick."

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Watch the TikTok video below:

Stephen Herbst, from Tidy Town Shelley Beach to Margate, uploaded a Facebook video noting he was aware of three sewerage spills along the coastline.

"We're not sure what areas have been affected, but we have handed over all the information to the relevant authorities and have notified and informed all the relevant parties."

@tinastravels95 uploaded another video sharing that she was unaware the beach she and her partner visited did not have a Blue Flag.

As per a government information portal, the only beaches in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality with a Blue Flag include the following six:

1. Trafalgar Beach BF
2. Marina Beach BF
3. Ramsgate BF
4. Southport Beach BF
5. Umzumbe Beach BF
6. Hebberdene Beach BF

Shortage of certain medications in Uvongo

Briefly News confirmed with Dischem South Coast Mall that they have run out of Imodium but have generic options available.

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While the couple have tied their symptoms to swimming in the ocean at Uvongo beach, Dr A Pillay from MD24 in Shelly Beach told Briefly News there is a big stomach bug going around as well.

Should holidaygoers stay away from South Coast beaches?

Speaking to Briefly News, Brendan Cluley, from Private Guy Properties on the South Coast, said holidaymakers should not be put off from visiting the coast:

"The South Coast has many other beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy.

"As a local, who was also a lifeguard here for many years, I'd caution those on vacation to stay away from any lagoons, as these are generally unsafe to swim in, especially after heavy rains.

"Always speak with the lifeguards if you are concerned about the safety of the water or lagoons. When the red and yellow flags on the beaches are crossed over each other, this means swimming is banned or the lifeguards are knocking off duty for the day."

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What is a Blue Flag beach?

According to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Blue Flag is awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating operators who comply with stringent environmental, safety, and accessibility criteria annually.

The awards are only valid for one year.

Mzansi reacts to sick beachgoers

Thousands headed to the comment section to express their thoughts about the unfortunate incident.

@duanne_haywood shared their opinion on the matter, writing:

"It's the same thing every year! Don't swim near rivers flowing into the sea! Especially Uvongo!"

@tjgoldfish commented on their experience of the particular beach:

"I get sick every single time we go to Uvongo."

@zeenatrossouw told the online community:

"The lifeguards at our beach warned us upfront that the water was not safe. We turned and sat on the sand."

@chrystaldegenaar wrote in the comment section:

"We were at Manaba Beach, and myself and my brother also fell ill with the same issues. We did not even swim in the ocean."

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@tinastravels95 informed the app user:

"We swam at Manaba yesterday."

@alida.fields stated with a laugh:

"This is why I don't swim where the public has been."

@leana085 wondered in the comments:

"Can't we do something about this?"

3 other stories about SA beaches

• Media personality Somizi Mhlongo weighed in on the issue of packed beaches for the festive season, slamming those making remarks about black people.
• Three grannies enjoyed the summer sun and hopped onto their surfboards at a Western Cape beach.
• A viral video of a beach proposal warmed the hearts of many, who gushed about the couple in the post's comment section.

Source: Briefly News