Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has advised the public that lifeguards have gone off duty until next season. The community swimming pools will close for winter, as an opportune time for maintenance and upgrades.
Reportedly, the Department has proposed a R20 million budget for 2026-27 for swimming pool infrastructure refurbishments, repairs and scheduled maintenance. The lifeguards play a critical role in the City’s Drowning Prevention Strategy each year.
As of Tuesday, April 07, 2026, the seasonal lifeguard contracts have come to an end for the current season. Lifeguards will once again be deployed as from October 2026.
Community swimming pools are now closed for the winter season. The public can still access the indoor swimming pools at Retreat, Blue Downs, Long Street and Strand, along with the Sea Point swimming pool as these are open throughout the year.
The 2025-26 season saw the lowest number of fatal drownings recorded in seven years. There were no fatal and non-fatal drownings at municipal swimming pools.
The no fatal drownings at designated bathing areas along the coast, while 38 non-fatal drownings were recorded, which could have been a lot more serious if not for the intervention by lifeguards, bystanders and other rescue agencies. And, nine fatal drownings were recorded along Cape Town’s coast. Of these, all were male; two were teenagers and the rest were over the age of 18.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the Cape Town experienced yet another bumper summer, with hundreds of thousands of visitors to the beaches and swimming pools. They would like to extend the sincerest gratitude to the lifeguards who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe, in spite of the challenges that come with water safety.
Higham thanked all the partners, who are supporting in drowning prevention and contributed significantly to a successful season. As they wind down the swimming season, the focus now shifts to maintenance and upgrades of facilities in preparation for the next season.
They are now midway through a five-year programme to improve the 37 public swimming pools, with several upgrades already completed and more planned. They have also proposed a further R20 million investments for the 2026-27 financial year to ensure these facilities remain safe, accessible and ready for the next summer season.