There has been a slight decrease in the number of fatal drownings over the peak festive season, compared to last year. Accroding to the City of Cape Town, of the nine fatal drownings since the start of the season in September 2024, four occurred in December, compared to five the previous December. No fatal drowning incidents were recorded at the public swimming pools across the Cape metro.
PICTURE: City of Cape TownThe municipality has raised concern about the number of child drownings. Mayco member for Community Services & Health, Patricia van der Ross, said the majority of those who drowned were male, and the youngest patient was just nine years old.
‘’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.’’
‘’I want to commend the staff for their amazing efforts to
keep beachgoers safe, despite ongoing challenges like alcohol abuse, patrons
not adhering to instructions, and other anti-social behaviour,’’ she added.
The Community, Arts & Culture Development Department's
Identikidz project, meanwhile, continues to grow in popularity. The number of
children tagged increased by nearly 4 000, from 85 916 to 89 689, compared
with the previous festive season. Two hundred and fifty-six children were reunited
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 will conclude on 12 January 2025.
Done By: Mitchum George
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