Cape Town's lifesavers intensify WaterSmart campaign to prevent holiday drownings

Lifesaving authorities in Cape Town have intensified water-safety campaigns for the festive season at beaches and swimming pools following seven fatal drownings in the country, highlighting the risks of swimming at unpatrolled sites.

Lifesaving Western Cape, supported by the City of Cape Town, is rolling out #WaterSmart activations alongside daily water safety and drowning-prevention programmes aimed at children and their caregivers, the most vulnerable group in South Africa’s drowning statistics.

The renewed focus comes after reports of at least seven fatal drownings nationwide in the past three weeks, coinciding with the end of school and university examinations.

Almost all incidents occurred at unpatrolled locations or non-designated bathing areas, reinforcing warnings to only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty.

In Cape Town, municipalities have deployed professional and seasonal lifeguards for the peak holiday period, supported by volunteers from Lifesaving Western Cape’s club network.

The organisation confirmed that 27 clubs across the Cape Town and Eden districts have accredited lifeguards on duty over weekends and public holidays from November through to the Easter weekend.

Beachgoers are urged to swim between the red and yellow flags at all times, follow lifeguard instructions and avoid alcohol before swimming, whether in the sea or in pools.

The City of Cape Town’s Safe Zone drowning-prevention campaign is also under way during the school holidays. The campaign promotes four golden rules: swim between the flags, do not drink alcohol and swim, be alert to rip currents, and actively supervise children at all times.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, councillor Francine Higham, said: “The active supervision of children is something that needs to be top of mind at all times – not just at our beaches. With the school holidays now in full swing, I want to caution parents to please put their children’s safety first, and to ensure that they are always in the care of a responsible adult.”

Designated swimming beaches and City swimming pools in Cape Town are staffed by lifeguards daily from 10am to 6pm. Children under seven must be accompanied by an adult at City pools, and weaker swimmers are advised to remain in shallow areas.

As an added safety measure, the City will roll out its Identikidz child safety programme at 15 of Cape Town’s busiest beaches from 15 December, issuing identification armbands to help reunite lost children with caregivers.

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Cape Argus