The overarching objective is ensuring a good time for all; with the understanding that it requires a collective effort and that visitors should abide by the safety regulations.
\n\u2018Between the resources we have in place at our recreational facilities, and the universal safety rules, it is possible that everyone can return home after a day in the sun, with nothing but a tan and good memories. So I implore our visitors once more \u2013 take accountability for your personal safety; listen to the instructions of lifeguards and other officials; have your child tagged with our Identikidz project, and keep an eye on everyone in your group,\u2019 said the City\u2019s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.<\/p>\n
There have been five fatal drownings along the City\u2019s coastline since 1 December 2022, eight non-fatal drownings and one non-fatal drowning at a City swimming pool.<\/p>\n
Among the contributing factors are:
\n\u2022 Swimming outside of the designated bathing areas, and outside of the hours that lifeguards are on duty
\n\u2022 Getting caught in rip currents outside of the designated bathing areas
\n\u2022 Impaired judgment <\/p>\n
\u2018It bears repeating that our visitors should only swim where there are lifeguards on duty, and between the flags set up on the beach. Please leave the alcohol at home as this impairs your judgment, and could have dire consequences. It also mars the experience of those around you, particularly where drinking is accompanied by anti-social behaviour. I also want to appeal to parents to make sure their children are always visible, and under the supervision of a responsible adult,\u2019 added Councillor Van der Ross.<\/p>\n
The City\u2019s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department will be present at 16 beaches over the coming long weekend.<\/p>\n
Since the Identikidz project launched in mid-December, staff have tagged 53 766 children at participating beaches and have reunited 120 who were separated from their families. <\/p>\n
Five children who had not yet been reunited by nightfall, were placed in the care of the Department of Social Development.<\/p>\n
Parents are encouraged to make use of the service \u2013 their contact details are recorded and the child is issued with a waterproof wristband containing a unique number that can be matched to their parent\u2019s contact details in the event that they become lost on the beach.<\/p>\n
Source: City Of Cape Town<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"