Search continues for missing teenaged bather

28 December 2020

The incident at Van Riebeeckstrand in Melkbosstrand cast a pall over an otherwise quiet long weekend at the City’s beaches.

South African Police divers continue the search for a teenager who is believed to have drowned yesterday.
 
Just before midday, all services were alerted to the teenager who had gone missing in the surf while swimming with four other family members at Van Riebeeckstrand in Melkbosstrand.
 
Efforts to find him have been unsuccessful thus far.
 
‘Our thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time and we hope that the search efforts are able to provide them with a sense of closure. The City’s coastline attracts thousands of visitors each year, and fatal drownings are an unfortunate occurrence. This has been a very quiet festive season thus far, compared to what we are accustomed to, but our staff remain at the ready to assist the public in any way possible,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
 
On Christmas Day, lifeguards rescued a 37-year-old man at Camps Bay tidal pool after he fell into the water. Indications are that alcohol was involved.

‘We can’t stress enough the importance of responsible behaviour when out and about, particularly around our water bodies. Our staff can only do so much, but we need the public’s assistance in ensuring that a day out ends well for all concerned. I urge our beachgoers, but also the visitors to our swimming pools and other recreational facilities to leave the alcohol at home. It is the single biggest source of trauma and reckless behaviour, and given the pressure on our healthcare system at the moment, something that we can ill afford,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
 
In terms of COVID-19 compliance, the City’s Environmental Health Practitioners have conducted daily oversight visits at the City’s beaches.
 
Feedback from the Christmas long weekend was that most beachgoers adhered to social distancing, although the wearing of masks continued to be a problem.
 
Residents are reminded that masks should be worn at all times, even on the beach, except when entering the water.
 
On a positive note, the City’s Identikidz project is once again proving popular with parents and families.
 
This past weekend, 15 270 children were tagged at the participating beaches, taking the overall tally since the launch of the project in mid-December to 30 982. The busiest beaches for registrations over the weekend were Strand (1 936), Camps Bay (1 851) and Monwabisi (1 611). A total of 11 children were reunited with their families.
 
‘The statistics do not compare to previous years, due to the lower beach turnout, but we are still very happy with the number of parents and caregivers who actively seek out the Identikidz registration hubs when they arrive for their day at the beach. The project has developed quite a following and is just one more way in which the City is trying to ensure our residents’ safety,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
 
 
End

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City of Cape Town, Media Office

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