The festive season kicked off with a mix of sun, sand, and safety, as the City’s Identikidz programme successfully tagged more than 14,000 children over the long weekend, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Despite adverse weather that kept many bathers away, determined holidaymakers turned up, making use of the program across 15 local beaches to ensure the safety of their little ones.
The Identikidz programme, managed by the City’s Community, Arts, and Culture Development Department, tagged 14 396 children, while eight lost children were safely reunited with their families. Muizenberg emerged as the busiest beach, with 2 283 children tagged, followed closely by Strandfontein (2 021) and Strand (1 747).
‘We’re off to a positive start this festive season with thousands of children tagged already. As the beaches get busier over the coming weeks, it’s important for parents and guardians to make sure their children are tagged at one of our registration desks for added peace of mind,’ said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health.
This programme offers vital protection for children, who are at risk of becoming lost in busy holiday crowds. Last festive season, over 130 000 children were tagged, and the initiative facilitated 302 reunifications.
Van der Ross added, ‘Young children inevitably wander off or get confused by crowds, but Identikidz provides an extra layer of protection for our most vulnerable bathers. Parents must always keep an eye on their children, especially near water.’
The Identikidz registration desks, located at various beaches, will continue to:
- Register children with parental consent and provide them with identification tags.
- Assist in reuniting lost children with their families.
- Collaborate with local authorities, including the South African Police Service and the provincial Department of Social Development, to ensure safety and swift reunifications.
Recreation and fun take centre stage at beach festivals
The weekend also saw youth from across Cape Town engaging in recreational activities aimed at fostering community connection and environmental awareness. The Recreation Beach Festival, held at Silwerstroom Beach on December 14, attracted over 100 youth from Atlantis and Dunoon. The free, public event featured various activities that combined fun with education, including a water safety talk by lifeguards, Blue Flag environmental awareness sessions, and recreational games like beach rugby, cricket, sandcastle building, and beach tennis.
‘This event is a fantastic way to engage youth in both fun and educational activities. It’s about promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about keeping our beaches clean,’ said Van der Ross.
The following day, on December 16, the Recreation and Parks Area Central team hosted its Recreation Festival at Erica Park in Belhar, drawing more than 200 participants. The event was designed to provide an outlet for youth involved in after-school and holiday programmes to bond while highlighting the importance of recreation in community building. Activities at the festival included inflatable obstacle courses, dodgeball, giant board games, and team-building exercises.
‘This event is an example of how recreation can bring people together and help build a stronger sense of community,’ said Van der Ross.
Local Ward Councillor Willie Jaftha (Ward 12) also shared his pride in seeing young people lead the charge in such positive activities, commenting, ‘It’s fantastic to see our youth coming together to enjoy these recreational activities. They play an important role in building healthier communities.’
The Recreation Festival is set to become an annual event, offering young people more opportunities to engage in fun and meaningful activities that encourage teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
Looking ahead to a safe and fun holiday season
As the summer holidays progress, the City of Cape Town remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its young residents. The Identikidz programme, alongside a variety of recreation-focused initiatives, will continue to provide both fun and safety for children and their families this festive season.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
