TABLE VIEW
Woensdag, 15 April 2026 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za | Website: www.tygerburger.co.za
FIRE INCIDENTS RISE AHEAD OF WINTER PAGE 2
Lifeguards in action during a competition, demonstrating their training, teamwork and rescue skills as part of ongoing preparation for Cape Town’s seasonal water safety operations. PHOTO: LIFESAVING SA
2025-’26 SUMMER SEASON SAFEST IN SEVEN YEARS
Drop in drownings
KAILIN DANIELS
C
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
ape Town’s seasonal lifeguard operations have officially come to an end, with the City confirming that the 2025-’26 summer period had been recorded as the safest water safety season in seven years. Lifeguards completed their final shifts on 7 April and will return in October for the next summer season. With the end of the operational period all community swimming pools are now closed for winter, allowing the City’s Recreation and Parks
Department to carry out essential maintenance, repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Selected indoor swimming facilities will remain open throughout the year. STRONG SAFETY OUTCOMES ACROSS BEACHES AND POOLS The City reported significant improvements in water-safety outcomes this season. There were no fatal or non-fatal drownings recorded at municipal swimming pools, and no fatal drownings at designated bathing areas along Cape Town’s coastline. While 38 non-fatal drowning incidents were recorded along
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“You could see how alert the lifeguards were all season.”
- Thabo Mokoena
the coast authorities said many of these situations were successfully managed through the rapid response of lifeguards, bystanders and emergency services, preventing more serious outcomes. Nine fatal drownings were recorded along the coastline during the season, all involving males, including two teenagers. Officials say the overall figures reflect continued progress in the City’s drowning-prevention strategy, which combines
lifeguard deployment, public education and coordinated rescue efforts. “‘Cape Town experienced yet another bumper summer, with hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beaches and swimming pools. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the lifeguards who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe, in spite of the challenges that come with water safety. TO PAGE 2
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