Four fatal drownings recorded in Cape Town this December

Four fatal drownings have been recorded in Cape Town since the beginning of December, with two incidents under police investigation and two linked to bathing-related activities, according to the City of Cape Town.

The City confirmed the statistics after the body of an unidentified man was recovered from the water at Fish Hoek Beach on Monday evening, December 29, at about 7.10pm.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of death.

"An inquest was registered for investigation, and a formal identification is yet to be conducted to determine the identity of the person," said Sergeant Twigg. 

A total of 19 non-fatal drowning incidents were recorded at Cape Town’s beaches since Monday, December 1, according to the City.

Lifeguards also had a particularly busy day at Clovelly Beach on Monday, December 29, where four non-fatal drownings were recorded during two separate incidents.

In addition, lifeguards have responded to 33 water rescues, 39 first-aid incidents and 18 cases of anti-social behaviour at beaches, as well as two first-aid incidents at swimming pools.

The City’s Identikidz Programme has registered 55 075 children this festive season and successfully reunited 78 children with their caregivers. Strand, Muizenberg and Strandfontein recorded the highest number of registrations.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said: "To the public, do not leave home without reminding yourself and your children about the golden rules of water safety, and if you’re at a beach where the Identikidz service is available, please make use of it."

The City reminded the public of its four golden rules of drowning prevention, which are:

• Swim only between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags at beaches
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
• Be alert to the dangers of rip currents
• Actively supervise children at all times, especially around water