City reviews peak festive season drowning prevention efforts

03 January 2025

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has seen a slight downturn in fatal drownings over the peak festive season, compared to last year. However, the number of child drownings is a concern. Of the nine fatal drownings since the start of the season in September 2024, four occurred in December, compared to five the previous December. Read more below:

The majority of those who drowned were male, and the youngest patient was just nine years old.

'We are alarmed by the number of young children who have drowned this season. Last season, no fatalities younger than 16 were recorded. An analysis of incidents this season shows that all but one happened either outside of designated bathing areas or outside of lifeguard duty hours. Our lifeguards have also responded to more than 30 non-fatal drownings, all of which were serious and where patients required anything from oxygen to hospitalisation. Without the intervention of lifeguards, these too could have been fatal.

'I want to commend the staff for their amazing efforts to keep beachgoers safe, despite ongoing challenges like alcohol abuse, patrons not adhering to instructions, and other anti-social behaviour,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

No fatal drowning incidents were recorded at the City's public swimming pools.

While the peak festive season is now over, operational arrangements on the beaches will continue for the remainder of January, after which certain beaches will see a reduced drowning prevention service. 

Details are available here: https://bit.ly/CT-Beaches-Lifeguard-Schedule.

• Always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty, and between their red and yellow flags
• Do not leave children unsupervised in or around water
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
• Beware of rip currents. If you're caught in a current, try to stay calm and signal for help

The Community, Arts & Culture Development Department's Identikidz project, meanwhile, continues to grow in popularity

A comparison with the previous festive season shows that the number of children tagged increased by nearly 4 000, from 85 916 to 89 689.

This season, staff have reunited 256 children with their families – 11 children were handed over to the Provincial Department of Social Development on New Year's Day, as their caregivers were not contactable.

The Identikidz project will conclude on 12 January 2025.

 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office