Warning signs to be installed near breakwaters at Glenelg, where three boys have drowned since 2007
THE State Government has heeded calls to install signs warning of the danger of swimming near a breakwater at Glenelg, where three boys have died since 2007.
THE State Government has heeded calls to install signs warning of the danger of swimming near a breakwater at Glenelg, where three boys have died since 2007.
Signs will be installed before summer on the breakwater where 11-year-old friends Frank Ndikuriyo and Thierry Niyomwungere drowned, as well as another closer to the Patawalonga River mouth.
Frank’s father, Etienne Ndikuriyo, of Paralowie, said this week he believed his son would still be alive if there was a sign warning of swimming where the boys drowned.
“If they had a sign there, my child would not have drowned because he was a cautious boy who knew how to read,” Mr Ndikuriyo said.
Another boy, aged 17, from Ridgehaven, died at the same spot in 2007, and there were calls at the time for signs warning of the danger of strong currents and rips in the area.
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure spokeswoman Danielle Gleeson said soft sand and severe storms made if hard to install and maintain signs around breakwaters or groynes.
“(However) DPTI will install two signs, one adjacent to the Glenelg beach breakwater, and one at the start of the southern breakwater of Holdfast Shores,” Ms Gleeson said.
“This work will be completed by the start of summer.”
The department did not say why signs had not been installed sooner.
Mr Ndikuriyo said it was a “good initiative” for the government to install signs on the breakwater but it should have been done long ago.
“It’s too late,” he said. “They knew it was dangerous in the place. Why did they wait until two people died?”
Surf Life Saving SA lifesaving and emergency operations manager Andrew Bedford said it was “excellent news” the signs would be installed but a pity it was not done earlier.
He said the area around the breakwaters was known for strong currents and rips, whereas the rest of Glenelg beach was relatively safe.
Holdfast Bay Council last week installed 11 signs at beach entrances between Seacliff and Glenelg North, warning of dangers such as currents and jetty-jumping.
This followed staff discussions with Surf Life Saving SA after the boys’ deaths.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Stephen Patterson said the council signs would “provide clearer information and safety warnings at our key beach entry points”.
“We will also collaborate with State Government and other stakeholders when the Coroner’s findings are released to look at any other recommended strategies and actions,” Mr Patterson said.
The Coroner’s Office has yet to set a date for a hearing into Frank and Thierry’s deaths.
Mr Ndikuriyo said his son’s death had left a “scar that will never disappear” for him and his wife, Jacqueline Bahati.
“My life is shattered,” Mrs Bahati said. “I’m just sitting at home — it’s something I can’t explain. It’s very difficult — my life as changed completely.”