Beaches and pools wrap up a busy season
14 April 2023
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has wrapped up a
busy festive season, but work continues as they are already preparing for the
next summer season.
'The past summer season was a busy one and I am grateful to everyone who sacrificed their time during the festive season and summer months to keep us safe. Our residents and visitors were able to unwind and enjoy the festive season, while staff and volunteers worked hard to ensure the safety of everyone.
'The season had its share of challenges regarding mechanical and structural breakdowns, load-shedding, and chemical shortages. Despite the unavailability of many maintenance tenders, these challenges were well-managed by the Recreation and Parks Department, and ensured that residents could enjoy the festivities at most facilities,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Out of 35 swimming pools and three resort facilities, 26 pools were operational during the season.
The challenges faced by the 12 non-operational facilities will be addressed in due course.
The department compiled a detailed swimming pool readiness and maintenance report, outlining their plans to fulfil the maintenance needs of its aquatic facilities.
These plans are to be implemented as soon as the various tenders are in place.
Swimming pool usage statistics indicate that more than 285 000 patrons used 11 of the 26 facilities during the swimming season, with the total combined number of patrons at all operational facilities rounding near 500 000.
A total of 27 non-fatal and 19 fatal drownings were recorded along the coast, one non-fatal drowning at a municipal swimming pool. It is important to note that all of these fatal drownings occurred outside of designated bathing areas or when lifeguards were off-duty.
'During the peak festive season and the hot summer days, most of our pools operated at capacity. Thanks to the sterling efforts of our lifeguards who kept everyone safe. Even though most of the pools are now closed until the new season, we want to remind those using our year-round indoor facilities to continue keeping water safety top of mind at all times,' said Councillor Van der Ross.
Seasonal beach and swimming pool lifeguards completed their duties on 10 April 2023, with the exception of lifeguards employed at pools that remain open throughout the year.
These five pools are Sea Point, Long Street, Blue Downs, Strand and Retreat.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
