Lifeguards ready for season

Summer holidays are almost here and as the temperatures rise, more people are heading to the beaches. Over 100 lifeguards have been appointed for the season to ensure safety on popular beaches over the holiday season.

As from 5th November lifeguards will be on duty over weekends and as of 1st December, the official start of the peak summer season, lifeguards will be on duty every day between 10am and 6pm.

On peak days, the high number of people visiting our beaches and pools makes it very difficult for lifeguards to keep a watchful eye on all swimmers all of the time. Parents need to be on high alert when their children are playing in or near the ocean, a river or a pool and are urged to be vigilant,’ said Councillor Anda Ntsodo.

The City of Cape Town encourages beachgoers to keep the following safety tips in mind:
• Only swim at beaches that have lifeguards on duty
• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They indicate safe, rip current-free, supervised swimming areas. An area outside of these flags could have dangerous rip currents
• Never swim alone
• Always inform friends or family members when you are going swimming
• Do not swim when there are marine animals such as whales, dolphins and seals in the area or when a marine animal carcass has washed up onto the beach
• If you find yourself in difficulty, turn on your back and float, raise your arm and wave to attract the lifeguard’s attention
• Try not to panic, as this will make you tired
• If you see someone in difficulty in the water, alert the lifeguards or find trained help. Do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Throw something that floats to the person or call a surfer who can take floatation to the person
• Call emergency services on 112 or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone if you require assistance