Lifeguards head to the beach

Posted on September 20, 2024
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Each year, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department embarks on the critical task of recruiting seasonal lifeguards to ensure safety at municipal pools and beaches.

 

Thus far, 241 beach lifeguards have been brought on board – they’ll work under the guidance of 12 permanent Senior Lifeguards.

 

From today, lifeguards will be on duty at 29 different beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00.

 

More details are available here: https://bit.ly/CT-Beaches-Lifeguard-Schedule

 

‘While the weather is still in flux as the seasons change, people do start venturing to the beach this time of year, hence the lifeguard deployment. I want to appeal to not only our locals, but visitors too, to only swim where lifeguards are on duty, and only in designated bathing areas.

 

‘Our lifeguards are dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers. Please adhere to the rules, and support them, so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

 

The City urges the public to be mindful of its golden rules for summer:

 

  • Only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags designating the safest bathing areas
  • Beware of rip currents
  • Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol
  • Always actively monitor children in and around water

 

BLUE DOWNS SWIMMING POOL

 

Blue Downs' indoor swimming pool reopened today, just in time for the school holidays.

 

The facility closed a year ago for major repairs, including servicing the filter motors, replacing heating units, electrical upgrade and addressing damage in the plant room caused by flooding due to load-shedding and vandalism.

 

Additional enhancements include repairs to PVC pipes, upgrades to leak detection systems and new rubber mat surfaces. The podium area has been repainted, murals have been added to columns and new signage has been installed.

 

‘This reopening is not only the return of a cherished facility, but also a testament to our commitment to maintaining high-quality services for our residents. We are especially pleased to reopen in time for the school holidays, providing families with a safe and enjoyable place to spend their time. We look forward to the pool becoming a vibrant part of our community once again,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.

 

The City is also progressing with other swimming pool projects. Updates on these initiatives will be shared in due course to keep residents informed about seasonal offerings and improvements.

 

Blue Downs Indoor Swimming Pool is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

 

For general enquiries or information about swimming pool programmes, including learn-to-swim sessions for youth, water aerobics for adults and other water safety activities, please contact the facility officer directly on 021 444 0313.

Caption 1: A lifeguard keeps an eye on bathers at Camps Bay

Caption 2: The Blue Downs indoor swimming pool