Long arm of the law ready for the long weekend
19 March 2021
Ahead of the long weekend, the City of Cape Town’s services are prepared for an increase in traffic, busier recreational spots and more visitors out and about.
‘The upcoming long weekend is the first of the year, with many people taking the opportunity to take a break and enjoy the freedom that comes with the lowering of the Covid-19 national alert level. The rules have not been thrown out of the window and road users are encouraged to be responsible and obey the law.
‘An increased volume of traffic is expected as holiday makers leave the city and Traffic Services will conduct high visible patrols on all the major highways,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Drivers are reminded to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, stop every two hours to avoid driver fatigue, stick to the speed limit and ensure a safe following distance.
‘These tips are not new, but it’s worth repeating as our accident statistics can attest that many drivers do not adhere to them. The laws are there to keep everyone safe,’ said Alderman Smith.
Law Enforcement and Metro Police officers will be deployed to beaches and other public attractions to ensure a visible presence, and to ensure adherence to disaster regulations.
Alcohol is not permitted on City beaches and will be confiscated.
In addition, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC)is ready for a possible influx of calls, with additional staff on standby.
Good weather is likely to draw crowds to the City’s swimming pools and beaches and bathers are reminded that lifeguards will be on duty.
City lifeguards are officially on duty at designated beaches from 10:00 until 18:00 over the weekend.
Of the 35 municipal swimming pools, 26 are open and operating with restrictions on capacity as per Covid-19 regulations. The nine swimming pools which remain closed are Long Street, Observatory, Elsies River, Parow valley, Ravensmead, Vulindlela, Newlands, Athlone and Emthonjeni.
‘Bathers at the beach or at our pools are urged to adhere to safety protocols and to obey the lifeguards. Our Recreation and Parks Department staff and lifeguards work closely to ensure that these recreational areas remain safe open spaces,' said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The duration of the Blue Flag Season lasts until 31 March for three City beaches, which gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy a world-class beach over the long weekend. These are: Camps Bay, Muizenberg and Strandfontein Beach.
Beach Buddies are active and visible at specific beaches and the public is encouraged to support them in executing their duties, which include increased vigilance and assisting with environmental awareness such as reminding visitors of responsible litter disposal.
Resorts will be busy over the long weekend and day visitors are expected to increase as well. To mitigate the risk of infection, please take note that everyone will be subjected to a Covid-19 screening process before access to any resort is granted.
See the City’s Beaches listing page for a detailed list of swimming and non-swimming beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Bathers should keep the four golden rules in mind:
Do not drink and swim
Do not leave children unsupervised
Be aware of rip currents
Swim only between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are present
‘The long weekend will provide many people with a chance to get out and have a breather, but it should not come at the expense of our health or safety. It remains compulsory to wear a face mask, to keep social distancing and to sanitise regularly. Keeping safe is the responsibility of us all, even when we are letting our hair down,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
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Please report any emergencies to the PECC by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
