Cape Town – The City of Cape Town announced the deployment of over 680 lifeguards to beaches and swimming pools ahead of the summer tourism boom.
The City said the move forms part of a record festive safety deployment of more than 5 000 personnel across the metro.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched the City’s drowning prevention plans together with Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, at the Lifeguarding Clubhouse on Clifton 4th beach on Monday, (2 December 2024).
As part of its drowning prevention campaign, the City said it was deploying 340 beach lifeguards and 343 swimming pool lifeguards.
The City said lifeguards will be on duty at 29 different beaches, tidal pools, stretches of coast, and all public swimming pools between 10:00 and 18:00 daily.
“Partners include Lifesaving Cape Town, with 14 clubs along the coast, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), who are on standby to make emergency deployments of rescue swimmers and vessels operating from seven base stations across the City,” said a statement released by the City of Cape Town.
“The City’s Identikidz child safety project will be in full swing, with this initiative tagging more than 130 000 children last summer.
“Holiday-makers can further expect a top-up cleaning service targeting all beaches, scenic routes, and central business districts.”
Cape Town’s anti-litter mascot, Bingo, will also be making various public appearances to encourage people to “bin it in the Bingo bin” and keep the City clean for all to enjoy.
“Cape Town is expecting record numbers of visitors to our shores this festive season, bringing a welcome boost to our local economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“We are excited to welcome the world to our pristine beaches, where we will be pulling out all the stops to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season.
“Visitors can expect well-trained lifeguards, an extensive child safety programme to prevent lost children, vehicle checkpoints, visible policing, and bolstered area cleaning services.”
Cape Town has seen a reduction in drownings over the past three years.
The City said the number of drownings was down 26% in the 2023/24 summer season when compared to the season before.
There were 30 near drownings, 14 drownings, and 80 rescues recorded along the coast in the 2023/24 season.
The City said there were drownings at municipal swimming pools.
“The improved statistics are welcomed, but one drowning is one too many. Even more heart-breaking is that all of the fatal drownings last season happened outside designated bathing areas, or during times when lifeguards were not on duty,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
“Our lifeguards are dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers, but it is a shared responsibility.
“Please adhere to the rules, and support our lifeguards, so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone.”
City safety operations will be coordinated from special Beach Joint Operational Centres.
Vehicle checkpoints will be in place on major routes to beaches, with officers clamping down on alcohol use and anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
The City would like to remind the public of four golden rules to be cognisant of when in and around water:
- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
- Do not leave children unsupervised in or around water
- Beware of rip currents. If you’re caught in a current, try to stay calm and signal for help
- Always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty, and between their red and yellow flags
More details on lifeguarding schedules are available here: https://bit.ly/CT-Beaches-Lifeguard-Schedule
