With World Drowning Prevention Day fast approaching, the City of Cape Town is committed to raising public awareness and emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent drowning incidents in and around water bodies. The Recreation and Parks Department is leading the charge with year-round drowning prevention awareness programs, spearheaded by Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Participation
The City’s annual observance, held on July 25th, aims to raise awareness of drowning risks and promote strategies and programs that ensure water safety. As part of their efforts, the Recreation and Parks Department encourages people to acquire swimming skills, practice water safety, and become aware of the risks associated with water activities.
Creating Safer Swimming Spaces
Despite recording 27 non-fatal and 19 fatal drownings along the coast last summer season, the City emphasizes that all of these fatalities occurred outside designated bathing areas or when lifeguards were off duty. Only one non-fatal drowning occurred at a swimming pool. To address this issue, the Recreation and Parks Department focuses on creating safer swimming spaces by employing over 600 seasonal lifeguards for municipal swimming pools, tidal pools, and beaches throughout Cape Town during the summer season.
Partnering with Other Agencies
The Recreation and Parks Department is part of a water safety network in Cape Town, collaborating with various agencies such as the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, Western Cape Department of Local Government: Disaster Management, Lifesaving Cape Town, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Crucial Safety Messages to Remember
To ensure the public’s safety in and around water, the City reminds everyone of four crucial safety messages:
- Don’t drink and swim.
- Don’t fight a rip current. Float sideways and wave for help.
- Watch your children around water at all times.
- Always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty, and between their red and yellow flags.
Commitment to Eliminating Accidental Drownings
Councillor van der Ross reiterates the Recreation and Parks Department’s commitment to realizing its vision of eliminating accidental drownings in Cape Town through partnerships, projects, and coordinated action.
As we approach World Drowning Prevention Day, let us all take the necessary steps to promote water safety and prevent any more tragic drowning incidents from occurring.
