Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has issued a stern warning to beachgoers as the full moon brings forth stronger rip currents and larger sea swells along the coastline.
Despite windy conditions, lifeguards have been vigilant, but recent incidents have raised concerns. A mass rescue at Monwabisi Beach led to three non-fatal drownings, with the patients receiving medical attention at Khayelitsha Hospital.
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Unfortunately, since 1 December, the city has recorded four fatal drownings, all occurring outside designated bathing areas or lifeguard duty hours.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, emphasised the importance of swimming only in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags.
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Van der Ross urged the public to heed warnings about rip currents and increased swells, ensuring their own safety while enjoying the beaches.
In a positive note regarding the Identikidz project, staff successfully tagged 48 957 children since mid-December, reuniting 65 with their caregivers.
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Over the Christmas long weekend, various beaches saw a significant number of children tagged, ranging from 5095 at Strand Beach to 320 at Maiden’s Cove.
As the summer season unfolds, the city remains committed to providing safe beach spaces, urging cooperation from the public to contribute to a safer environment for all beach enthusiasts.
Also read:
City enhancers child safety on Cape Town beaches through Identikidz
Picture: Brent Ninaber / Unsplash