Lifeguards took to the waters this month as bathers began taking advantage of the warmer weather.
A total of 32 swimming pools and 29 beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast will be covered as the City of Cape Town aims to limit the number of tragedies this season.
With 21 drownings already recorded this year, the public have been reminded not to overestimate their swimming abilities, to exercise caution and not to take to the waters while under the influence of alcohol.
“The summer season is fast approaching and a key part of our preparedness is to ensure the many beautiful beaches and swimming pools across our metro are safe and ready to welcome residents and visitors,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“I want to call on beachgoers and pool visitors to play their part and be responsible when enjoying their time in the sun.”
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said that lifeguards were working even when there were no active incidents for them to respond to.
“Part of their duties is to conduct observations and spot potential hazards before they become life-threatening,” she explained. “Lifeguards play an important role in ensuring the safety of bathers and they’re often the first responders in an emergency at the beach.”
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“Preventing drownings is not only the job of lifeguards, but visitors to pools and beaches also have a responsibility.”
“Follow the rules to ensure your own safety when in and around water.”
The public are further reminded to only swim where there are lifeguards on duty and where signs indicate it is safe to do so.
Always supervise children near water, dressing them in bright colours to make sure that they are visible to lifeguards in the water.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags set up by lifeguards at the beach as these indicate safer, supervised swimming areas.
Alcohol is not permitted on City beaches or at public swimming pools.
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Photo: Supplied