The coming days will be the first of at least three long weekends this month, with an expected surge in visitor numbers to shopping malls and other public attractions, most notably Cape Town’s recreational facilities.
In line with the City’s Festive Season Preparedness Plan, enforcement staff will be deployed to areas of high foot and vehicle traffic, with a specific focus on vehicle and driver fitness, addressing drunk driving and drinking in public, and increased visibility around shopping nodes.
‘We are expecting things to get very busy, given that this is our first normal festive season in a number of years. I know that it is an exciting time for many, when people let their hair down after a long year. And, not to be a Grinch about it, but we do need to reiterate the words of caution that accompany the time of year, because based on behaviour and statistics, it does appear that many people don’t know, or simply choose to ignore the advice.
‘The City has all hands on deck to make this a safer festive season for everyone, but it is a collective responsibility, and we do ask that individuals take accountability for their actions. But please, also be our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious, or that’s posing a risk to public safety,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Operation Exodus, which focuses on driver and vehicle fitness, particularly focused on long distance public transport operators, launched on Monday 12 December and will run until 23 December.
On the beaches, the City’s enforcement agencies have already confiscated 7 957 bottles of alcohol, amounting to 3 888 litres, since 1 October.
The public is reminded that the City’s by-laws prohibit drinking in public. Anyone caught disregarding the by-law will be issued with a R500 fine and have their alcohol confiscated.
‘We have a series of key messages to promote water safety, and drinking and swimming is prominent, because unfortunately, it remains one of our biggest risks. Alcohol impairs your judgement, but also makes it more difficult for our lifeguards to reason with beachgoers to remain in designated swimming areas. I appeal to everyone who is planning a trip to our recreational facilities – keep your wits about you, listen to lifeguards and other staff, and keep a close eye on your children. We are launching our Identikidz project at a number of our beaches starting this weekend. I encourage families to make use of the service, but also a reminder that this does not absolve you of your responsibility towards the children in your care. Safety in general, and drowning prevention in particular, must be top of mind for us all, at all times,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Since 25 September 2022, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department has recorded seven fatal drownings and 10 non-fatal drownings at beaches along the city’s coastline, as well as one non-fatal drowning at a public swimming pool.
Source: City Of Cape Town