Nearly 200 lifeguards will spend Christmas Day on the Western Cape’s beaches.

The guards are all members of Lifesaving Western Province.

With the weather office giving the all clear, thousands of people are expected to hit the beaches today.

Lifesaving WP spokesman Keith Mathews said they are on high alert.

“There will be approximately 180 to 200 lifeguards spread around the Western Cape, hoping and ensuring the beaches will be safe.”

Mathews added this weekend will be a busy one, as well as the week leading up to the new year.

POLICE GET TOUGH ON BEACHES

Meanwhile, Cape Town Metro Police have announced they intend to get touch on beach goers who hit the bottles instead of the waves.

Approximately 300 law enforcement officers have been deployed on the city’s beaches for the duration of the festive season.

Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro said their biggest headache is people drinking whilst visiting the beach.

“We’re going to… appeal to the public not to bring alcohol to the beach as that can lead to either fighting on the beaches or drowning. We’re going to be very strict.”

Faro added parents must supervise their children at all times.

(Additional Reporting by Danya Philander)