Cape Town beaches face elevated risks
Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks warns beachgoers of increased danger from rip currents and larger sea swells in the coming days.
As the full moon graces the skies, the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department issues a stern warning to beachgoers, urging heightened caution due to the anticipated surge in rip currents and larger sea swells over the upcoming days.
Despite challenging windy conditions along the peninsula, lifeguards and support services have been diligently patrolling the shores.
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However, a recent mass rescue at Monwabisi Beach resulted in three non-fatal drownings, underscoring the heightened risks.
DISTURBING TREND IN CITY OF CAPE TOWN RECORDS
City records reveal a troubling trend, with four fatal drownings recorded since 1 December. All incidents occurred outside designated bathing areas or lifeguard duty hours.
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Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, stresses the importance of adhering to lifeguard guidance and flags, emphasising collective responsibility for safety.
“We request the public to continue to swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags.
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“Please also take heed of the warnings about rip currents and stronger swells in the days ahead. We are determined to provide safe spaces for our beachgoers, but we need the public to play their part too,” said Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
IDENTIKIDZ: SUCCESSFUL BEACH SAFETY OPERATIONS
In positive news, the Identikidz project, aimed at safeguarding children on the beaches, reported smooth operations during the recent long weekend.
Since its inception in mid-December, the project has tagged an impressive 48 957 children, reuniting 65 with their caregivers. Over the Christmas weekend alone, 5095 children were tagged at Strand Beach, highlighting the initiative’s broad reach across various beaches in the city.
Despite these efforts, the City emphasises the need for public cooperation in ensuring safe beach experiences and vows to continue providing secure spaces for beachgoers.