City of Cape Town shares tips for beach safety

raditionally, the Day of Goodwill is a beach day for many families who enjoy spending the better part of the day at the coast,” said mayoral committee member for community services and special projects Belinda Walker.

“This year will be no different and the City of Cape Town is expecting thousands of residents and visitors to flock to Cape Town’s pristine beaches during the upcoming festive weekend.”

Walker said that although the City’s festive season safety features were in place, many drowning incidents were linked to alcohol consumption.

“Residents are urged not to allow family members and friends to go into the water if they have consumed alcohol and to report any intoxicated beachgoers to the lifeguard or law enforcement officer on duty,” she said.

Another cause of drownings outside of the city’s control was individuals swimming in seas unmanned by lifeguards.

“We need beachgoers to help us to help them, by working together with our teams of lifeguards, beach monitors and law enforcement officers,” said Walker.

“An individual’s safety is a shared responsibility between themselves and the City’s safety teams.”

The City also had some additional tips for beachgoers, including that they remained in the lifeguards’ line of sight, that they swam between the red and yellow flags, and that they swim in groups or with the knowledge of friends and family.

Beachgoers were also advised not to swim when marine animals were sighted – whether dead or alive. If bathers find themselves in trouble, they should wave their arm in order to get the lifeguard’s attention.

If beachgoers spotted someone else in trouble, Walker advised they seek the help of a lifeguard, beach monitor, or a law enforcement officer.

“If we all work together to ensure the safety of our loved ones, family and friends this summer season, we can help to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives,” she said.