THE eThekwini municipality has wrapped up the holiday season happy that the city experienced fewer drowning incidents, low crime and no missing children.

THE eThekwini municipality has wrapped up the holiday season happy that the city experienced fewer drowning incidents, low crime and no missing children.

The city's campaign of issuing wristbands to children with their names on them was helpful.

The 122000 wristbands issued to children at the beaches helped to dramatically reduce the number of children that got lost.

Deputy head of the parks, leisure and cemeteries department Christo Swart said: "The construction at the beach front did not deter beach patrons from flocking to Durban beaches.

"Thousands visited Durban beaches, with only two drowning incidents recorded at central and Umkomaas beaches."

Police also played an important role in the safety of the holiday-makers.

Metro Police Superintendent Eric Khuzwayo said the commitment of the police force to fight crime and visible policing helped reduce crime incidents.

"Our approach is not just about empty words, but tangible action.

"During this time, crime tends to be on the increase in the city, hence we adopted a zero tolerance approach," Swart said.

Crime statistics were relatively low as a result of 230 metro police who patrolled the area to discourage crime activities.

"A total of 31 people were arrested for drinking alcohol in public," Khuzwayo said.

The number of motorists who were caught breaching the rules of the road was low compared to 2008.