Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has seen a slight downturn in fatal drownings over the peak festive season, in comparison to last year. The number of child drownings is a concern. It has recorded nine fatal drownings since the beginning of the season in September 2024 and four were recorded in December as compared to five recorded in previous December.
As per the reports, majority of people drowned were male and the youngest patient was just nine years old. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that they are alarmed by the number of young children who have drowned this season.
Reportedly, no fatalities younger than 16 were recorded last season. An analysis of incidents was done this season and showed that all this has happened ether outside of the designated bathing areas or outside of the lifeguard duty hours.
Our lifeguards have also responded to more than 30 non-fatal drownings, all of which were serious, where patients required everything from oxygen to hospitalisation. Without the intervention of lifeguards these could have been fatal too.
Ross added further that she wants to commend the staff for their amazing efforts to keep beachgoers safe, despite of ongoing challenges such as alcohol abuse, patrons not adhering to instructions and other anti-social behaviour.
Moreover, no fatal drowning incidents were recorded at the public swimming pools of the City of Cape Town. As the peak festive season is now over, operational arrangements on the beaches will continue for the remainder of January 2025, after which certain beaches will see a reduced drowning prevention service.
The public is reminded to please and always keep the golden rules of City of Cape Town for summer as top of mind. It is better to always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty and between their red and yellow flags.
It is advised not to leave children unsupervised in or around water. Do not swim under the influence of alcohol and stay beware of rip currents. Also, if you’re caught in a current then try to stay calm and signal for help.
Meanwhile, the Identikidz Project by the Community, Arts & Culture Development Department continues to grow in popularity. However, the comparison with the previous festive season shows that the number of children tagged has increased by nearly 4,000 from 85,916 to 89,689.
Notably, the staff has reunited 256 children with their families and 11 children were handed over to the Provincial Department of Social Development on New Year’s Day as their caregivers were not contactable. As per the official notice, the Identikidz Project will conclude on Jan 12, 2025.