The lifeguards working in Cape Town’s beaches are the true heroes of the season, tirelessly working to keep the beachgoers safe amidst the festive cheer. However, the recent drownings and nonlethal incidents remind us of the unseen dangers of beach fun, and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. The lifeguards’ undying spirit and innovative initiatives, such as the Identikidz project, showcase their commitment to public safety and serve as a reminder that safety is a communal responsibility.
Identikidz is a child safety project implemented in Cape Town’s high footfall beaches, where parents and guardians can register their children at a dedicated station and receive a waterproof wristband carrying essential contact information. In the event of a child getting distanced from their family, this wristband becomes a valuable resource for rescuers to reunite them with their guardians. Over 90,000 children were tagged at participating beaches, and nearly 400 children were united with their guardians. The Identikidz initiative is a unified endeavor to ensure that the mirth of children continues to reverberate across Cape Town’s shimmering beaches.