City's Identikidz programme ensures children don't get lost at public pools or beaches this festive season

The City of Cape Town is urging parents and caregivers to make use of its Identikidz programme when at the beach.

The Identikidz project allows children to be tagged on arrival at the beach, with a band containing their caregiver’s details. In the event that a child gets separated from their family, responders can use the contact information to reunite them. The project was first introduced in 2016. 

PHOTO: City of Cape Town

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross, said more than 120 000 children were tagged last festive season, with Strand and Mnandi returning the highest figures.

Participating beaches for the 2023 festive season are Big Bay, Camps Bay, Fish Hoek, Gordon’s Bay, Harmony Park, Lagoon Beach, Melkbosstrand, Milnerton Beach, Mnandi, Monwabisi, Muizenberg, Sea Point and surrounding area, Silwerstroom, Strand and Strandfontein.  

On 26 December and 1 January, Identikidz will also be available at Maidens Cove. 

‘’The statistics are proof of the value that the Identikidz project adds, but also that more and more parents and caregivers are taking their children’s safety to heart when out and about over the very busy festive period. As we prepare to launch this year’s instalment, I want to encourage families to make use of the service, for added peace of mind.’’ 

‘’It is however important to remind everyone that they are ultimately still responsible for their children. While many children are quickly reunited, we have had instances where, by nightfall, children are handed over to social workers. In such cases, the situation does escalate, and will include numerous home visits to ensure that the child’s overall circumstances are acceptable. So, please parents, do your bit – we understand that sometimes children wander off in the crowds, but it’s unacceptable that some are still unclaimed hours later, when the beach day has ended,’’ added Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Done By: Esona Mfazwe