In a record-breaking initiative for holiday season safety, Cape Town is mobilizing an extensive team of 330 police officers and 340 lifeguards to ensure the security of its beaches. This announcement was made by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis during the unveiling of the City’s Festive Beach Safety plans at the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club on 22 November 2023.
Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed, “‘Cape Town is ready to welcome the world to our beautiful, clean, Blue Flag beaches. For your safety, the City is deploying 330 policing personnel dedicated to specific beaches across the City. This includes special Beach Joint Operational Centres (JOCs). Over 4 000 uniformed enforcement and emergency personnel will be available as part of the City’s largest ever safety deployment over a festive season.”
Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, detailed the Festive Season Policing Plan, which encompasses vehicle checkpoints on main routes leading to beaches. The plan is strict on prohibiting public alcohol consumption and antisocial behaviour. Enhanced technological measures, such as CCTV and drones, will be utilized. Additionally, teams from Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue Service, and Disaster Risk Management volunteers will be available to aid in public safety and awareness.
To prevent drowning incidents, the City is also deploying 340 beach lifeguards and 343 swimming pool lifeguards, who will be on duty daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Collaborating partners include Lifesaving Cape Town, which has 14 clubs along the coastline, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), ready for emergency responses with rescue swimmers and vessels from seven base stations throughout the city.
The City strongly advises adhering to four crucial safety guidelines for water activities. Firstly, it is important to avoid swimming when under the influence of alcohol, as it can impair judgment and physical ability. Secondly, children should never be left unattended near water, as this can prevent potential accidents. Thirdly, caution is advised regarding rip currents; if one finds themselves caught in a rip current, it’s vital to stay calm and signal for help rather than trying to swim against it. Lastly, for optimal safety, swimming should always be done at beaches where lifeguards are present, and swimmers should stay within the designated areas marked by red and yellow flags, ensuring they are within the supervised zone.
