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Tasmin Barnard, 19, of Ice Models, enjoys a non-alcoholic Sex on the Beach cocktail off uShaka beach. Picture: Marilyn Bernard.

Police have warned that sex on the beach or frolicking in the waves au naturel will not be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal this holiday season.

SAPS spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge said while public indecency was not common, an incident had taken place at Blue Lagoon last festive season when some matriculants stripped off and were having sex in the corner of a public area when street children stole their clothes.

“Sex in public places will not be tolerated and cases of public indecency can result in a hefty fine or even jail time.”

And there will also be no sipping “Sex on the Beach” alcohol-laced cocktails while lounging on the sand, as there is a ban on consuming alcohol in public places.

Mdunge said anyone caught drinking in public could face a spot fine of up to R500.

With the holiday season starting in perfect weather yesterday, holidaymakers flocked to the beaches along the coast.

By lunchtime, Durban’s main beaches were packed to capacity and a high police visibility is expected to continue through the festive period.

eThekwini Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, confirmed that more than 300 officers would be deployed daily on the beachfront, with that number increasing on “critical” days, such as public holidays.

Beachfront barriers were implemented yesterday and Msomi also warned that there would be zero tolerance of drunk driving, with roadblocks across the city expected throughout the holiday period.

Chairman of the municipality’s Festive Season Management Committee, Christo Swart, said authorities would be out in full force to ensure the safety of visitors and residents and that alcohol and bottles were “strictly prohibited”.

He urged parents to keep an eye on their children.

Lost children will be taken to gazebos marked “separated children”.

The municipality is issuing wrist bands which carry the particulars of the child’s guardian in case they are separated and guardians are urged to ensure children are tagged with the bands.

If lost children have not been reunited with family by the end of the day, they will be taken to an overnight facility.

The number of lifeguards has been increased. Swimming hours are 6am to 6.30pm.

Swimming at night is prohibited. - Tanya Waterworth