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The Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth gearing up for a massive influx of revelers, particularly young children, for the annual opening of the season next Tuesday which includes the customary fireworks display.
General Manager, Brett Hoppe, says while this is not their event, they are "stepping-up efforts to improve security, reduce traffic congestion, and assist both the SAPS and Metro in managing the large influx of people to the beachfront on the day."
He says Boardwalk security will be doubled on the day, a crisis committee will be in place to manage possible crises, and additional facilities will be available to care for inebriated, injured, lost and ill revelers.
"These include a fully-equipped, operational clinic with life support equipment, qualified nursing staff, and a social worker. There will also be a mobile child care facility, supported by a qualified nurse, to assist with lost and inebriated children. In addition, The Boardwalk will commission an equipped ambulance with paramedics on site to deal with any form of medical emergency," said Hoppe.
"The Opening of Season is a highly-anticipated event which attracts over 20 000 people to the beachfront. Experience has shown that many of these revelers are under-age, some as young as 11, and they are unsupervised. They catch public transport to Kings Beach and transit through The Boardwalk to get to Hobie Beach.
"They become embroiled in under-age drinking to the point where they are inebriated and uncoordinated, putting themselves in danger. We identified this, and the lack of facilities to manage intoxicated youngsters, as a grave concern. In response, we will have a dedicated area where these young people can find sanctuary and receive necessary care. Every effort will be taken to contact the parents or guardians of youngsters who find their way to the area.
"The Boardwalk considers this substantial investment as part of its community responsibility efforts. We have a zero tolerance approach to all elements that could affect the safety and security of our guests, both direct and indirect. These efforts also demonstrate our ongoing commitment to working with the SAPS, metro and other stakeholders to improve public safety," says Hoppe.
He says these measures will also be implemented on Boxing Day, 26 December, and on New Year, when the sheer volume of people to the beachfront for celebrations, resulting in increased footfall on The Boardwalk property, results in similar challenges.
