Cape Town: Beachgoers urged Capetonians to embrace the safe zones during weekend this New Year. The city is bracing for another busy beach weekend, as the Community Services and Health Directorate appeals to the public to remain in the safe zones at beaches and other public amenities.
Since Dec 01, 2025 there have been 19 non-fatal drownings at the beaches of Cape Town. In a busy day for lifeguards at Clovelly Beach on Monday, Dec 29, 2025 they recorded four non-fatal drownings during two separate incidents.
Reportedly, these four fatal drownings were recorded in Cape Town over third period. Two of them are the subject of police investigations and other two were related to bathing.
This year the Lifeguards have registered 33 water rescues, 39 first-aid incidents and 18 incidents related to anti-social behaviour at beaches and two first-aid incidents at swimming pools.
The City of Cape Town reminded the public of its four golden rules of preventing drowning, that are:
- Swim only between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags at beaches
- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
- Be alert to the dangers of rip currents
- Actively supervise the children all time, especially when around the water
Furthermore, Identikidz Programme has registered 55,075 children till date and reunited 78 children with their caregivers. Also, the highest registrations of rescue were recorded in Strand, Muizenberg and Strandfontein.
Members of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the beaches and swimming pools have attracted thousands of visitors so far this season. They expect another bumper weekend as Cape Town rings in the new year.
Higham appreciated the lifeguards and support staff and extended her gratitude to them for their efforts to keep visitors to the amenities safe. She requested to the city public not to leave their home without reminding themself and their children about the golden rules of water safety.
Also, if residents are at the beach where the Identikidz service is available, then the visitors need to use it. The staff have already reunited dozens of children since the mid-December and once again it is highlighting the value that this programme adds into the child safety.