With winter still hanging over Cape Town, the City is already looking ahead to packed beaches, crowded pools and another busy summer season.
The City of Cape Town has officially opened recruitment for seasonal lifeguards, with more than 600 positions expected to be filled before the warmer months arrive. At the same time, major repair and upgrade projects are continuing at several public swimming pools across the metro.
For many young Capetonians, the annual recruitment drive is more than just a summer job opportunity. It has become a stepping stone into emergency services, fitness careers and community work especially in coastal communities where water safety is part of daily life.
The move comes after the city recorded its lowest number of fatal drownings in seven years during the previous summer season, something officials partly credit to improved safety awareness and lifeguard presence at beaches and pools.
More than just watching the water
Every winter, hopeful recruits are put through intense physical testing before they can earn the famous red-and-yellow uniform seen across Cape Town’s coastline.
Applicants for beach positions must complete a 400m swim in under eight minutes, while pool lifeguard candidates face a 100m swim challenge in under two minutes. Rescue drills, first aid assessments and fitness evaluations also form part of the process.
The City says applicants must also have the required qualifications, a clean criminal record and pass drug screening procedures before appointment.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said lifeguards often become the first responders in emergencies and play a critical role in preventing tragedy during the peak holiday season.
Cape Town’s beaches remain some of the busiest in South Africa during December and January, particularly hotspots like Muizenberg, Strand, Camps Bay and Clifton, where thousands flock during heatwaves and school holidays.
On local social media pages, residents have already welcomed the recruitment drive, with many praising the City for creating seasonal employment opportunities for youth while strengthening beach safety ahead of summer.
Pools across Cape Town getting a facelift
While recruitment continues, construction crews are also working against the clock at several municipal swimming pools.
Large-scale infrastructure upgrades are currently under way at facilities in Delft, Lentegeur and Langa, where structural and mechanical systems are being repaired and modernised.
Meanwhile, Bellville South and Goodwood pools are undergoing reticulation upgrades and plant maintenance, while Manenberg pool is nearing the end of its latest round of repairs.
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At Newlands Swimming Pool, floodlights and mechanical systems have already received major refurbishments as preparations continue for the next swimming season.
The City expects the projects to be completed by the end of June, giving staff enough time to prepare facilities before spring.
Why the upgrades matter
Public pools remain one of the few affordable recreational spaces for many Cape Town communities, especially during the scorching summer months when temperatures can climb well above 30°C.
Beyond recreation, pools also serve as important spaces for swimming lessons, youth programmes and water safety education something that has become increasingly important as drowning prevention campaigns grow across South Africa.
In recent years, ageing infrastructure and maintenance delays at some public pools sparked frustration among residents, particularly during periods of water restrictions and budget pressure. The latest upgrades are part of a broader effort to improve long-term sustainability and reduce operational costs.
Residents interested in applying for seasonal lifeguard positions can submit applications through the City’s official website.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook
