WITH the festive season around the corner, tens of thousands of people will be flocking to Cape Town beaches just to refresh during the holiday season.
To avoid drowning tragedies associated with numerous people at the beach, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched the city’s festive beach safety plans at Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club on Wednesday, 22 November.
And to prevent drowning, the city said they will be deploying 340 beach lifeguards and 343 swimming pool lifeguards. Those deployed at the beaches will be on duty between 10am and 6pm daily.
Hill-Lewis said the city’s lifeguards are effective as reflected by the great work they did during the 2022 festive season.
“Last summer Cape Town’s beach lifeguards were able to ensure no fatal drownings during their duty hours at designated bathing areas. There were also no fatal drownings recorded at public swimming pools,” said the mayor.
Patricia van der Ross, the MMC for Community Services said drownings were only recorded at beaches but in areas that are not designated for swimming.
She said beachgoers must always swim in the designated areas where there are lifeguards.
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“Of concern, is that all 19 of the fatal drownings at beaches last summer occurred outside of designated bathing areas or when lifeguards were off duty.
“We appeal to the public to be alert, even if you are a strong swimmer. Always swim between the red and yellow flags designating the safest swimming area and listen to the instructions of our lifeguards. They are there for your safety and peace of mind,” said Van der Ross.
MMC for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said they have also put some festive season policing plan that includes vehicle checkpoints on major routes to beaches.
“Officers will clamp down on alcohol use in public spaces and we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. We will also increase the use of tech such as CCTV and drones. Law enforcement, fire and rescue service, and disaster risk management volunteers will be on hand to assist with public safety and awareness,” said Smith.
