Festive Season Water Safety in Focus as Drownings Rise Across South Africa
As South Africa enters the peak of the holiday period, concerns around festive season water safety are mounting following a series of tragic drowning incidents nationwide. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has confirmed that its volunteers have responded to 13 drowning-related emergencies over the past three weeks, with seven of those incidents resulting in fatalities.
In response, both the NSRI and the City of Cape Town have renewed urgent calls for the public to exercise extreme caution at beaches, swimming pools, rivers, dams, and other bodies of water during the festive season. With thousands of families expected to flock to coastal areas and public swimming spots, authorities warn that complacency and risky behavior could lead to further loss of life.
The festive season traditionally sees a sharp increase in water-related emergencies as people spend more time outdoors, often combining swimming with alcohol consumption, crowded beaches, and unfamiliar swimming conditions. Rescue officials stress that many drownings are preventable if basic safety guidelines are followed.
Festive Season Water Safety: NSRI and City Launch Prevention Campaigns
To address the heightened risk, the City of Cape Town has rolled out its annual “Safe Zone” Drowning Prevention Campaign, while the NSRI has intensified public awareness efforts focused on education, preparedness, and responsible behavior near water.
The City’s Safe Zone campaign aims to reduce drowning incidents by encouraging beachgoers to swim only in designated, lifeguard-patrolled areas. These zones are clearly marked by the familiar red and yellow flags, which indicate safer swimming conditions and immediate access to trained rescue personnel.
Francine Higham, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, emphasized the importance of adhering to these safety measures.
“Our Safe Zones Drowning Prevention Campaign reminds everyone to swim only between the red and yellow flags, avoid alcohol at the beach, remain alert to rip currents, and always supervise children,” Higham said.
She confirmed that lifeguards will be on duty daily throughout the festive season at designated beaches and swimming facilities. Their presence is intended to provide rapid response in emergencies, as well as preventative oversight to discourage unsafe behavior.
In addition, the City will once again implement its Identikids Programme, a child safety initiative designed to quickly reunite lost children with their guardians. The programme is set to commence on Monday at selected beaches and public pools, providing an added layer of security for families during busy holiday periods.
The NSRI, meanwhile, has echoed the City’s warnings, noting that its volunteers are already under significant pressure due to the rising number of incidents. The organization highlighted that the seven fatalities recorded over the past three weeks serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly recreational outings can turn tragic.
Rescue officials point out that rip currents remain one of the most dangerous and misunderstood hazards at South African beaches. These powerful currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea within seconds. The NSRI urges swimmers who find themselves caught in a rip current to remain calm, float on their backs, and signal for help rather than attempting to swim directly back to shore.
Alcohol consumption has also been identified as a major contributing factor in many water-related accidents. Impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and delayed reaction times significantly increase the risk of drowning. Authorities strongly advise against drinking alcohol before swimming or supervising children near water.
Parents and caregivers are reminded that active supervision is critical. Children should never be left unattended near water, even in shallow pools or tidal areas. Drowning can occur silently and within moments, making constant vigilance essential.
Both the NSRI and the City of Cape Town stress that festive season water safety is a shared responsibility. While lifeguards and rescue teams are trained and ready to respond, the public plays a vital role in preventing emergencies by making informed, cautious decisions.
As holidaymakers continue to enjoy South Africa’s beaches and waterways, authorities urge everyone to respect safety guidelines, look out for one another, and prioritize responsible behavior. Doing so could mean the difference between a joyful festive season and one marked by tragedy.
Source- EWN
