Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department recorded 14 fatal drownings and 30 non-fatal drownings between Silwerstroomstrand and Kogel Bay over the past summer season.
Also read: Cape Town man tragically drowns at Dana Bay while fishing
During the 2023/24 season, fatal drownings occurred outside the City of Cape Town’s designated bathing areas or during times when lifeguards were not on duty.
Of these, nine (64%) occurred on weekends and public holidays:
- 79% of fatal drownings were male, 21% female
- 14.3% of fatal drownings were minors younger than 18
- 85.7% of fatal drowning victims were adults aged 18 and older
Strand Beach recorded zero fatal drownings, a notable milestone as there has been at least one fatal drowning at this site for the past four seasons.
The City says this is thanks to lifeguards actively patrolling the beach, monitoring bathers by maintaining a safe bathing area, preventing swimming outside designated areas and working with partners to prevent drownings.
‘The past season has seen positive outcomes in terms of water safety. At swimming pools, there were no major incidents, and at beaches, there has been a significant improvement from last year where 19 fatal drownings were recorded,’ says Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health.
‘I am particularly proud to highlight the remarkable efforts of our Swimming Pool Lifeguards, who have done a fantastic job preventing serious drowning-related incidents.
‘Only rescues where patrons were helped out of the water were recorded and we thank our lifeguards for their vigilance and dedication.’
The City saw ‘exceptionally high numbers’ of beach-goers and pool visitors due to the hotter-than-usual weather experienced over the past season.
The City’s pools and beaches recorded high numbers of visitors over the past summer, as Sea Point’s pool reached an impressive 102 463.
Some notable mentions include the City’s pool in Retreat, which saw 47 454 visitors, Newlands with 47 143 and Long Street with 43 451.
‘The past summer season was a busy one, with our pools and beaches recording high numbers of visitors,’ Van der Ross adds.
‘Preparation for the new season starts at the end of the previous one, so we are already looking ahead to the next season and how we can build on our systems.
‘Our priority remains the safety of everyone who visits our pools and beaches, and ensuring that our facilities are in peak condition.’
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Man dies in apparent drowning in Gordon’s Bay despite rescue efforts
Picture: City of Cape Town