City gears up for a safer summer by wrapping up lifeguard assessments

08 August 2025

Earlier today, the City of Cape Town concluded its seasonal lifeguard assessment programme with 290 candidates competing for a spot on the summer roster.

 The assessment process ensures that only the most capable, skilled and safety-conscious individuals are selected to serve the public during the upcoming summer season. Over the past two weeks, aspiring lifeguards have been put through their paces at various swimming pools across the city, including Blue Downs, Retreat and Long Street Swimming Pools.

‘These assessments are more than just fitness tests - it’s about public safety, life-saving skills and a commitment to community service. We salute the nearly 300 young people who stepped up to serve their communities. The assessment process ensures that only the most skilled and safety-conscious individuals are appointed to help keep our pools and beaches safe. We encourage residents to swim only where lifeguards are present this summer. We’re proud to invest in building a strong team to help make our amenities safer for all,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

‘I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended today’s lifeguard recruitment at Muizenberg Beach. It was incredibly inspiring to see such a diverse group of men and women of all ages stepping forward to serve their communities. The turnout was amazing, and your time, effort, and commitment will help ensure a safer summer at our beaches and pools’, said Ward 64 Councillor Izabel Sherry.

The seasonal beach lifeguard assessment process includes a 400-meter swim, rescue techniques and first aid evaluations – all conducted under the supervision of experienced lifeguards and Recreation and Parks officials. Shortlisted candidates must also undergo a criminal clearance check and drug screening before appointment.

Once appointed, successful candidates will receive training and onboarding before being deployed to designated beaches and pools for the summer period, as part of the City’s broader drowning prevention campaign.

The final beach assessment at Muizenberg marks the culmination of this critical recruitment effort.

Caption 2 : Councillor Francine Higham( second from left) addressing some of the lifeguards during the assessment

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office