The Easter Weekend is traditionally a very busy time in Cape Town, second only to the festive season.

That is why many of the elements of the very wide-ranging festive season plan are replicated to ensure public safety. 

These measures will also be in place for the long weekends on the calendar after Easter. 

The City’s enforcement services are once again collaborating with a host of external partners including SAPS, the Central Improvement Districts and Neighbourhood Watches. 

‘One of our key priorities over Easter is road safety. Historically, this period is associated with an increase in motor vehicle accidents and related fatalities. Our appeal to motorists staying within City limits over the period is to refrain from drinking and driving. To those going away on holiday, make sure that your vehicles are in a good condition. The City will be hosting a two-day operation Exodus later this week for long-distance transport operators, but the message to all road users is to obey the law at all times, particularly sticking to the speed limit.

‘Our enforcement agencies will also be keeping an eye on public amenities. Unfortunately alcohol is a factor that bedevils public safety efforts. And we will also be patrolling crime hotspots, in support of SAPS,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.

Preliminary weather forecasts indicate that Cape Town will experience some sunny conditions over the Easter long-weekend, which could drive visitor numbers to the City’s beaches and other recreational areas.

Lifeguards will be on duty at designated beaches between 10:00 and 18:00 daily. 

Beachgoers are reminded to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are present, and only in the areas demarcated for bathing, indicated by the yellow flags.

The City’s swimming pools that are operational will be open between 10:00 and 17:00, except Long Street, which will be open between 07:00 and 18:00.

‘We want to ensure that every person who comes to the beach or swimming pool, goes home healthy and happy after a day in the sun. So our appeal to visitors is to adhere to the instructions of lifeguards and to swim only in the designated areas, but also to be mindful of the fact that they’re sharing these public spaces with others. Too often we hear of reports of anti-social behaviour, so please consult the information boards at our facilities and familiarise yourself with what’s allowed and what’s not.

‘From a health perspective, it is also our duty to remind the public of the continued protocols required of us all in terms of Covid-19. Masks are no longer required outdoors, but it is important to keep your distance and to sanitise regularly. And, if you haven’t yet received a vaccination, or your booster dose, please make it a priority before getting together with your loved ones this Easter holiday,’ said the said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

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