The City of Cape Town’s Identikidz programme, which aims to keep young beach goers safe should they get lost, will be available on 16 beaches over the festive season.
‘The Identikidz programme has been well received and grows in popularity. Last year, more than 30 900 children were tagged at the participating beaches and 11 children were reunited with their families.
‘The statistics do not compare to previous years due to the lower beach turnout, but we are still very happy with the number of parents and caregivers who actively seek out the Identikidz registration hubs when they arrive for their day at the beach. The project has developed quite a following and is just one more way in which the City is trying to ensure our residents’ safety. While the responsibility of care remains with the caregivers, it is heartening to know that there is an extra layer of protection for our youngest bathers,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
On priority days, teams will ensure that children who arrive at the beach are registered and are issued with an armband with the contact details of their parent or caregiver.
Should the child be separated from their family, this helps City staff or the police to reunite the child with their family.
In the event that a child’s family is not found by the end of the day, the child will be handed over to the Western Cape Department of Social Development.
‘I want to encourage adult beach goers to register their children at the participating beaches as soon as they arrive. Children can become disorientated in unfamiliar surroundings or with a large number of people around, or they could simply wander away. An Identikidz armband could save all involved a lot of trauma, anxiety and stress,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.
The project will run over 16 days, subject to Covid-19 regulations:
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, Silverstroom, Camps Bay, Lagoon Beach, Melkbos Strand, Millerton Beach, and Maiden’s Cove in the north.
‘This is a time of fun and for families to spend time together. Help to make this festive season an enjoyable time for everyone. Keep an eye on young children and make sure they’re registered with Identikidz,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.
Source: City Of Cape Town