City of Cape Town services geared up for an influx of beachgoers and visitors to public swimming pools but observed a quiet weekend ahead of the major public holidays.
Reportedly, the Identikidz Programme coordinated with the Community, Arts and Culture Development Department of the city and tagged 10,756 children across 15 beaches. While nine lost children were reunited with their families.
Moreover, the Strand beach was recorded as the busiest one with 1789 children tagged and followed by Mnandi which welcomed 1501 and Muizenberg welcomed 1093.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health of City of Cape Town – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that she wants to encourage parents to continue making use of the service.
According to Ross, they can never have too many layers of protection for the youngest and most vulnerable beachgoers. The beaches will be much busier in the next few weeks with predicted temperature increase, as many public holidays are coming up.
Patricia Van der Ross mentioned that as soon as they get to the beach, they need to find the Identikidz registration desks and get their little ones tagged.
As per the sources, no fatal drownings were reported this last weekend but alcohol consumption on beaches remained a major headache. The beaches are the place to be at this festive season for a summer holiday of fun in the sun. but they cannot abdicate all responsibility in the name of celebration.
Ross added that the alcohol remains illegal on the beaches. The lifeguards are there to ensure that bathers are safe but often find that they have to deal with intoxicated people in and out of the water.
Furthermore, this puts everyone at risks as lifeguards have their attention diverted and drunk parents tend not to keep an eye on their children. “Your safety, and that of your family and friends, on the beach is first and foremost your own responsibility,” said Patricia Van der Ross.
Councillor Ross explained that since the beginning of December, one fatal drowning has been recorded on Dec 12, 2024 at Strand Beach and six non-fatal drownings.
“Lifeguards are on duty but the bathing public have a role to play. Lifeguards cannot do it alone and it is the time that each one of us do our part to ensure the safety of everyone,” concluded Van der Ross.