As the festive season hits its stride, the City’s departments and agencies tasked with public safety are gearing up to do their utmost in ensuring a ‘most wonderful time of the year’ for all.
Also read: Public abuse of alcohol top priority for festive season law enforcement
The City’s enforcement and rescue services are priming for a busy weekend.
The festive season policing plan incorporates deployment at public spaces, but also around economic hubs as most people flock to malls and shops for their festive season shopping.
Road safety too remains a top priority, and motorists can expect roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints.
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The City’s vehicle examiners have checked 595 vehicles over the past week under the auspices of Operation Exodus, which focuses on vehicle safety for long distance public transport operators.
At the Law Enforcement liquor pound, staff have checked in 3 870 bottles of alcohol, equating to 2 124.26 litres, since 24 October.
Most of the alcohol has been confiscated from beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard, and the False Bay coast, from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town.
‘The festive season is hands down one of our busiest periods of the year, which is why we have a comprehensive public safety plan in place. Public cooperation is the one variable that we have no control over, and already our alcohol impoundment statistics are pointing to an all too familiar tale. Alcohol abuse and the related anti-social behaviour is a constant headache for our enforcement and emergency services, and I plead with the public to please celebrate responsibly and to keep their wits about them – not only in terms of personal behaviour and accountability, but also for those with criminal intent who are determined to steal more than your festive joy,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
At the City’s recreational spaces, emergency staff will be on duty, supported by enforcement services.
According to the South African Weather Service, the forecast for the latter part of the weekend indicates that these spaces will be busy.
Since the beginning of December, there have been three fatal drownings along the coast:
- A 58-year-old male at Clifton 4th Beach on 5 December
- A 21-year-old female at Strandfontein Beach on 6 December
- A 30-year-old male at Milnerton Lagoon Beach on 11 DecemberThe City has also recorded six non-fatal drownings, including:
- Two 12-year-olds, one girl and one boy, who were caught in a rip current at Milnerton Lagoon Beach on 12 November
- A 10-year-old male at Silwerstroomstrand on 25 November
- A 23-year-old male at Milnerton Lagoon Beach on 25 November
- A young female, aged between 10 and 12, at Camps Bay Beach on 2 December
- A 27-year-old male at Milnerton Lagoon Beach on 11 December’Most of these incidents have taken place outside of designated bathing areas, or outside of lifeguard duty hours. We are also very concerned about people swimming under the influence. There is a new moon today and therefore we’re expecting more severe tides, potentially with even stronger rip currents than normal. We want to encourage the public who choose to enjoy the beach this long weekend to please do so responsibly, by only swimming where and when lifeguards are on duty, between the red and yellow flags. Our Identikidz project too is launching, so if you are at a participating beach, make sure to have your children tagged, but also, keep them under supervision at all times,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross.
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Also read:
Amount of festive season alcohol confiscated nearly doubles since 2019
Picture: Supplied / CoCT