The City has a formal partnership with Lifesaving Western Province (LWP) to use 250 lifesavers, mainly sourced from existing lifesaving clubs, in addition to its volunteer services at Cape Town’s popular beaches. During peak periods the lesser known beaches receive similar attention.

Lifesaving services are rendered from 10:00 to 18:00 during the peak summer season between December and January.

Lifeguards can be found during specified hours on the following beaches: 

General duties of the lifesaving squad:

• Maintaining an alert watch by the continuous manning of the primary look-out tower.
• Implementation of precautionary measures to safeguard the public in the water and on the beach at all times.
• Removal from the beach and sea all objects likely to cause injury to members of the public. Where removal is impractical, this should be reported to the Beach Manager on duty.
• Carry out necessary rescue operations in accordance with Lifesaving South Africa approved practices, procedures and methods.
• Carry out approved first aid procedures on the beach or in the first aid station, including resuscitation.
• Safeguard the public from behaviour likely to cause injury in the vicinity of the demarcated bathing area. This includes the presence of surfboard riders and other crafts within the bathing-only area, or not in compliance with the black ball system.
• Enforce instructions regarding banned or restricted bathing with assistance from law enforcement officers, if necessary.
• Contact law enforcement officers immediately regarding violations of the Sea Shore Act, Off-road Vehicle Regulations, Integrated Coastal Management Act and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure the correct and most efficient use of the equipment supplied by Lifesaving Western Province and/or City of Cape Town including the placement and adjustment of bathing markers, duty towers, public notices and signage according to the prevailing conditions.
• Updating of the public information boards.
• At all times maintain a professional and courteous manner with members of the public and City of Cape Town officials.
• Refrain from any behaviour which may bring the associated parties into disrepute.
• Lifeguards should participate in all squad training exercises and maintain a condition of physical fitness.

For clubs that are affiliated to Lifesaving Western Province, click here.

For more information on the Lifesaving Western Province, click here.