City of Cape Town Link

Safety in nature and on roadtrips

<div class="ExternalClass92441977612B4992B915BC921EA02923"><p>Pay attention to our tips for staying safe in the great outdoors. </p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Safe hiking </h2></span> <p>As weather can change rapidly, it is important to be aware of the conditions in which you are hiking and to be fully prepared. Being prepared also includes watching out for thieves and criminals who sometimes target tourists in secluded areas. Residents and visitors alike need to make sure that hiking is done safely and responsibly at all times. </p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">Our City reserves</span> have strict entrance and exit points as well as opening and closing times.</p></div></div></span> <p> <strong>Safety tips for hikers:</strong></p><ul><li>Don’t hike alone – rather go in a small group and stick together.</li><li>Check the weather beforehand and make sure it is not raining. Assess the weather at all times whilst hiking.</li><li>Wear and pack proper hiking gear: good walking shoes, sunblock, water, and warm, waterproof clothing.</li><li>Start heading back well before dark and keep to well-marked paths.</li><li>Save the emergency number to your cellphone: <em> <a>0861 106 417</a></em>.</li><li>Always bring a fully charged cellphone with you on a hike.</li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Beaches in the city</h2></span> <p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Beaches">Our beaches</a> are one of our greatest features, but like all places, they have to be visited responsibly. Cape Town is known for quick changing weather conditions and vast marine life, some of which – like sharks – can be dangerous. Our tides are also very strong. </p><p>Spending time alone on some of the more secluded beaches in our city can make you susceptible to thieves. At most beaches, there is a lifeguard and shark spotter, and police patrols. However, as a visitor, we highly recommend that you stay safe by being as aware and responsible as possible. </p><p> <strong>Stay safe at the beach by:</strong></p><ul><li>obeying the lifeguards’ instructions;</li><li>swimming in areas that are supervised by a lifeguard;</li><li>never swimming alone;</li><li>swimming parallel to the shore if swimming a long distance;</li><li>supervising children;</li><li>avoiding rocks, piers, jetties and breakwaters when swimming;</li><li>shouting or waving if you are in trouble;</li><li>not drinking alcohol before swimming, diving or boating;</li><li>not taking glass bottles or containers to the beach;</li><li>wearing foot protection;</li><li>protecting your skin from the sun with waterproof sunscreen;</li><li>protecting your eyes with good quality sunglasses;</li><li>drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration;</li><li>moving into the shade every so often if on the beach for a long period;</li><li>never leaving your possessions unattended;</li><li>never staying late on a beach alone; and</li><li>always having a charged cellphone with <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-an-emergency/Emergency-contact-numbers">emergencies numbers</a>. </li></ul><p>For more tips as well as a list of emergency contact numbers, download our helpful <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Beaches_pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank"> Beach Safety pamphlet</a> or see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/visitor-safety/general-safety-awareness/water-safety-at-pools-and-beaches">Water safety at pools and beaches</a>. </p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Safe travel </h2></span> <p>Cape Town has a number of recommended travel facilities; one being our <a href="https://myciti.org.za/en/home/" target="_blank">MyCiTi buses<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. Also, hiring a car is easy if you are of the right age and have a valid driver’s licence. Knowing how to be safe on public transport and understanding our roads are of primary importance. </p><p> To ensure that you travel safe, follow the tips below: </p><p> <strong>Safety on public transport</strong></p><ul><li>Tell your friends and family which routes you will follow and where you plan to stay overnight.</li><li>Do not take a train late at night.</li><li>Try to use public transport with someone else and not alone.</li><li>Keep your possessions close to you and do not leave items unattended.</li></ul><p> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">Find out more about our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/transport-and-vehicles/public-transport-services/buses-in-cape-town">buses</a>, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/transport-and-vehicles/public-transport-services/metrorail">trains</a>, and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Transport-and-vehicles/Public-transport-services/Taxis">taxis</a>.</span></p><p> <strong>Private or hired vehicles</strong></p><ul><li>Use a registered car hire company and make sure the vehicle is roadworthy.</li><li>Drive on the left-hand side of the road and pass on the right, when legal and safe to do so.</li><li>Tell your friends and family which routes you will follow and where you plan to stay overnight.</li><li>Carry your international driver's permit and your national driving license (which must be printed or authenticated in English) at all times when driving.</li><li>Domestic and international tourists should have personal accident insurance. </li><li>Do not drink and drive.</li><li>All vehicle passengers must wear seat belts.</li><li>Never talk on the phone while driving – it is illegal. </li><li>Heed the speed limits: usually 60km/h (35mph) in towns and between 80 (50mph) and 120km/h (75mph) on main roads.</li><li>Lock doors and close windows in unknown areas, especially at night.</li><li>Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers. If you are worried about someone you see along the road, stop at the next town and report it to police.</li><li>Do not leave your valuables in sight.</li><li>Always lock your car when you leave it somewhere. </li></ul><p>Read more tips in our sections <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Transport-and-vehicles/Road-safety/Driving-and-vehicle-safety" target="_blank">Driving and vehicle safety</a>, and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Visitor-safety/General-safety-awareness/General-road-and-traffic-safety-for-travelers" target="_blank">Road safety tips for travellers</a>.</p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Cape Town Tourism – visitor safety support</h2></span> <p> Cape Town Tourism offers a safety and support service for visitors. The service operates 24 hours, seven days a week and is free to all travellers. Our service includes:</p><p> <strong>Administrative support</strong></p><ul><li>Connecting you to embassies and consulates</li><li>Assisting with language</li><li>Assisting with legal processes</li><li>Assisting with replacement documents (e.g. flight tickets)</li></ul><p> <strong>Practical and emotional support</strong></p><ul><li>Trauma counselling</li><li>Getting you to hospitals or getting medical treatment</li><li>Help finding short-term accommodation</li><li>Help with contacting family or friends</li><li>Facilitating transport arrangements</li></ul><p> <strong>Please note, that we do not offer: </strong></p><ul><li>financial assistance;</li><li>replacement of lost items;</li><li>compensation for losses of any kind;</li><li>direct medical attention; or</li><li>legal advice.</li></ul><div class="contact"><p>If you need support, help, advice or have suggestions, please contact Cape Town Tourism Visitor Support using the details below.</p><h4>Cape Town Tourism Visitor Support</h4> <em></em> <ul><li> <em>Telephone: </em> <br> <em> <a>021 487 6800</a></em></li><li> <em>Email: </em> <br> <a href="mailto:sonya@capetown.travel"> <em>sonya@capetown.travel</em></a></li></ul></div>

Whether you’re taking a hike or visiting one of our beautiful beaches, it’s important to keep your safety in mind.

Sport, Recreation and Amenities: Summer Beach Safety Pamphlet

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2013-12-31T22:00:00Z