The City of Cape Town’s (COCT) latest intake of swimming pool lifeguards were put through their paces to ensure they are prepared ahead of the upcoming school holidays and summer season.
According to the COCT, lifeguard applicants who were shortlisted went through a two-week assessment period and a series of fitness and competence tests to qualify as one of the 600 seasonal lifeguards responsible for drowning prevention at the COCT’s beaches and pools this summer.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien says the lifeguards are now preparing for an unpredictable summer with new safety and hygiene protocols in place.
“The City of Cape Town’s latest intake of swimming pool lifeguards were put through their paces to ensure they are prepared ahead of the upcoming school holidays and summer season. The City wants to ensure we have enough well-trained and qualified lifeguards on duty,” Badroodien said.
Badroodien goes on to say that beach lifeguards will also be tested on their abilities in the surf, not only during the induction phase but randomly throughout their period of employment.
“By the very nature of their work, lifeguards put their own lives on the line to rescue others from drowning. We owe a debt of gratitude to our brave City lifeguards, who step forward and commit themselves to the process,” Badroodien adds.
He further mentioned that drowning prevention within the department is also coordinated by a skilled team comprising 10 project workstreams to ensure that every aspect of safety is considered and provided for.
Meanwhile, it’s likely that COCT swimming pool capacities will be limited in order to meet social distancing and other national regulations.
Picture: COCT