Identikidz ensure safer beach visits
11 December 2020
The City of Cape Town's Identikidz programme, which registers and issues young beach visitors with an identification armband, will once again ensure the safety of children who get lost this festive season. Read more below:
'The Identikidz programme has tagged and reunited an increasing number of children each year. Last year more than 100 000 children were tagged and 535 were reunited with their families. This year, we want to once again encourage visitors to social distance and put the safety of their children first by keeping them within eyesight at all times,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The programme will once again be rolled out to 16 beaches on priority days during December and January. Visitors are encouraged to register their children on arrival at the beach, with the Identikidz staff members who will be dressed in orange T-shirts.
‘Parents and guardians are reminded that it's not a babysitting service and should not replace the responsibility of parents to supervise their children at all times while they're on the beach.
'It simply means that should a child wander away, we are able to find their family. During the previous season, 535 children were reunited with their parents or caregivers, while 15 were handed over to the Western Cape Department of Social Development when they could not be returned to their families. It is traumatic for young children when they cannot find their loved ones and I implore parents and guardians to be vigilant,' said Councillor Badroodien.
The City's beaches are popular recreation spots during the festive season and the programme ensures the safety of young children who may get lost, disorientated in the crowds or wander away from their parents or caregivers.
Factors which contribute to children going missing on beaches include:
• Children visiting beaches without parents or an adult
• Parents or guardians are intoxicated and don’t realise the child is gone
• Parents leave the beach without their children
• Parents do not supervise their children while at the beach
'Most parents are responsive to the programme and this contributes to its success. They bring their children and come looking for the Identikidz stations on the beaches and the young ones know where to come if they get lost,' said Councillor Badroodien.
Teams will ensure children who arrive at the beach are registered and an armband is issued to the child with the contact details of their parent or caregiver. In the event that the child is separated from their family, this then helps City staff or the police to reunite the child with their family.
It also provides a measure of reassurance and peace of mind for both children and their families, making for a more enjoyable day at the beach.
In the event that a child’s family is not tracked down by the end of the day, the child will be handed over to the Western Cape Department of Social Development.
'I want to encourage visitors to register their children at the participating beaches as soon as they arrive. It could potentially save all involved a lot of trauma, anxiety and stress,' said Councillor Badroodien.
The participating beaches are:
South East North
Muizenberg
Fish Hoek
Strandfontein Gordon’s Bay
Strand
Monwabisi
Harmony Park
Mnandi Big Bay
Sea Point and surrounding area
Silverstroom
Camps Bay
Lagoon Beach
Melkbos Strand
Milnerton Beach
Maidens Cove
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
