With school holidays officially under way, Cape Town’s beaches, pools and public spaces are once again buzzing with families making the most of summer. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable season for everyone, the City’s Safe Zone drowning prevention campaign is now in full swing, forming part of a broader focus on public and water safety during this high-risk period.
At the heart of the Safe Zone campaign are four golden rules of drowning prevention, designed to keep beachgoers and swimmers safe:
- Swim only between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags
- Do not bring alcohol to the beach, and never drink and swim
- Be alert to the dangers of rip currents
- Actively supervise children at all times, especially around water
Active supervision of children remains a critical message this summer. With more free time and increased movement between beaches, pools, libraries and recreational spaces, parents and caregivers are urged to always put children’s safety first.
According to Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, child safety is a shared responsibility. While the City has created numerous “safe zones” for children – including recreational facilities and libraries offering facilitated holiday programmes – parents and guardians must always know where their children are, who they are with, and ensure they are under the care of a responsible adult.
Designated swimming beaches and City swimming pools are staffed by trained lifeguards daily between 10:00 and 18:00. Children should be encouraged to follow lifeguards’ instructions at all times and remain in shallow water if they are not confident swimmers. Children under the age of seven must always be accompanied by an adult when visiting City swimming pools.
Adding another layer of protection this season is the Identikidz programme, which launches at 15 of the City’s busiest beaches from mid-December. The initiative provides identification armbands for children, making it easier to reunite them with caregivers should they become separated.
With a long, hot summer ahead, the message is clear: enjoy Cape Town’s outdoor spaces responsibly, stay alert around water, and make safety a priority – for yourself, your family and those around you.
