Why swimming in Durban is risky right now
Durban’s south coast beaches are off-limits for swimming because of hazardous ocean conditions. Here’s what you need to know…
The eThekwini Municipality announced on Monday, 2 June, that it had banned swimming on Durban’s south coast beaches.
Officials removed shark nets due to the ongoing annual sardine run, according to The Witness.
“The public is advised that swimming is prohibited at all southern beaches from today, 02 June 2025 until further notice. This is due to the removal of shark nets for the sardine run,” eThekwini Municipality said on their Facebook page.
Durban beaches close as sardine run begins
The sardine run officially kicked off on Saturday, 31 May, after the first shoal was netted in Port Edward, along Durban’s south coast. And sardines weren’t the only fish caught in the nets.
TimesLive reported that one net caught an astonishing 17 bronze whaler, or copper, sharks—highlighting the serious danger the waters pose to swimmers.
Each winter, millions of sardines migrate along South Africa’s east coast, especially through KwaZulu-Natal, during the famous sardine run, an event often called “The Greatest Shoal on Earth.”
This migration draws a wide array of predators, including sharks, dolphins, whales, birds, and game fish, creating a spectacular display of marine wildlife. It’s a sight to behold!