Cape Town City emphasises safety as families head to public spaces
With South African schools closing for the first holiday break on 28 March, authorities urge parents to prioritise water safety as families head to beaches and public pools.
As South African learners prepare for their first school holiday of the year, set to begin on 28 March, authorities are urging parents and guardians to prioritise safety—particularly around water.
Cape Town adjusts swimming pool hours
With schools closing after a 200-day academic year, many families are expected to visit beaches and public pools to enjoy the last days of summer. In response, Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has adjusted operating hours for community swimming pools and reinforced safety measures to prevent accidents.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, stressed the need for constant supervision of children in and around water.
“It’s important for parents and guardians to always know the whereabouts of children and ensure that they are closely supervised, particularly around water bodies,” Higham stated.
She also emphasised the crucial role lifeguards play in maintaining safety at pools and beaches, urging beachgoers to swim only in designated areas and follow water safety guidelines.
Lifeguards on duty and pool schedule updates
To enhance safety, lifeguards will be stationed at designated beaches daily from 10:00 to 18:00. However, services may be limited at certain locations. Officials have advised swimmers to:
- Stay within red and yellow flagged swimming areas
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol
- Closely supervise children near water
- Remain cautious of rip currents
Starting Monday, 31 March, all community swimming pools will operate from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last tickets sold at 17:30. Residents are encouraged to check the City’s website or their nearest facility for updates on pool operations.
Safe and enjoyable holidays
As families take advantage of public recreational spaces during the break, authorities continue to highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. With the right precautions in place, the school holiday season can be both fun and accident-free.