The Identikidz project was launched on 15 December at 16 beaches around the peninsula. Between 15 and 19 December, staff tagged 29 759 children

I am thrilled that so many parents are heeding the call to participate in the Identikidz project.

The project was launched on 15 December at 16 beaches around the peninsula.

The Identikidz concept requires parents or caregivers to register their children as they arrive at participating beaches. The child is issued with a wristband, containing their caregiver’s contact details, in the event that they get separated during their visit to the beach.

Over a five day period between 15 and 19 December, staff tagged 29 759 children. During this period, seven children were separated from their families, (two at Strand, three in Strandfontein and two at Muizenberg), but were safely reunited.

I want to encourage families to take advantage of the services offered by this project, which is running over 16 days on the following dates:

• 15, 16,17 ,18,19, 25, 26 and 31 December 2021.
• 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 January 2022 on 14 of the 15 beaches
• Maiden’s Cove – only 26 December and 1 and 2 January 2022

Beaches where parents and caregivers can find Identikidz staff are: Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Strandfontein in the south; Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Monwabisi, Harmony Park, and Mnandi in the east; Big Bay, Sea Point and surrounding area, Silwerstroomstrand, Camps Bay, Lagoon Beach, Melkbosstrand, Millerton Beach, and Maiden’s Cove in the north.

I’m also pleased to note that there were no fatal drownings at any City facilities over the first peak weekend of the festive season.

Lifeguards did however respond to three non-fatal drownings:

Friday, 17 Dec 2021, Monwabisi Beach, 18-year-old female

Friday, 17 Dec 2021, Camps Bay Beach, 22-year-old female

Sunday, 19 Dec 2021, Monwabisi Beach, 22-year-old female

I remind the public that water safety is everyone’s responsibility, and want to encourage our lifeguards who are often the unsung heroes. The fact that there were no fatal drowning incidents during a very busy weekend at our beaches and swimming pools is testament to their hard work.

We have at least two more very busy weeks ahead of us, and I urge everyone to keep a cool head and do their bit to make the festive season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Source: City Of Cape Town