By Sipho Maduna

9 January 2006

NEW YEAR celebrations, which saw a total of 150 000 revellers take to various Buffalo City's beaches, have gone off peacefully.

"The people were well behaved and well mannered," according to South African Police Service spokesperson, Captain John Fobian.

The beaches, particularly along East London's Esplanade, are popular gathering spots for festive celebrations.

Prior to the festive season, the City put measures in place to ensure the beaches were kept in good - and safe - condition. Among the steps taken were increasing the number of lifeguards on duty, a plan to help cut down traffic snarl-ups, and ensuring law enforcement staff were visible.

This visible policing had helped maintain law and order, Fobian said.

Instead of congregating on the Esplanade, people went to other beaches, including Leaches Bay, Nahoon and Gonubie, to see in the New Year.

Fobian said some 30 000 people were at the Eastern Beach, 10 000 more than the previous year but down from 2004's 45 000 visitors. Three years ago 100 000 people flocked to the beach.

Incidents that marred the day included a stabbing at Marina Glen and a drowning in a tidal pool near the Grand Prix circuit.