Nine people drowned and died in Cape Town’s waters since the start of the season in September 2024.
Four of the nine, died in December.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department said in a statement, the majority of those who drowned were male, and the youngest, was nine years old.
Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member of Community Services and Health (MMC), said ‘we are alarmed by the number of young children who have drowned this season. Last season, no fatalities younger than 16 were recorded. An analysis of incidents this season shows that all but one happened either outside of designated bathing areas or outside of lifeguard duty hours. Our lifeguards have also responded to more than 30 non-fatal drownings, all of which were serious and where patients required anything from oxygen to hospitalisation. Without the intervention of lifeguards, these too could have been fatal.”
van Der Ross also said ongoing challenges during the season were alcohol abuse, patrons not adhering to instructions, and other anti-social behaviour.
No fatal drowning incidents were recorded at the City’s public swimming pools.
A comparison with the previous festive season shows that the number of children tagged increased by nearly 4 000, from 85 916 to 89 689.
This season, staff reunited 256 children with their families – 11 children were handed over to the Provincial Department of Social Development on New Year’s Day, as their caregivers were not contactable.
The Identikidz project is expected to wrap up on the 12th January 2025.
Picture: Supplied