City of Cape Town has reported its safest summer water safety season in seven years, with significantly reduced drowning incidents across beaches and public swimming pools.
With the Easter weekend concluded, seasonal lifeguard contracts officially ended on 7 April 2026. Lifeguards will return in October 2026 as part of the City’s ongoing Drowning Prevention Strategy.
Community swimming pools have now closed for winter maintenance, while indoor facilities at Retreat, Blue Downs, Long Street, Strand and the Sea Point Swimming Pool remain open year-round.
According to the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, the 2025/26 season recorded:
- No fatal or non-fatal drownings at municipal swimming pools
- No fatal drownings at designated coastal bathing areas
- 38 non-fatal drownings along the coastline, with successful interventions by lifeguards and rescue teams
- Nine fatal drownings along the broader Cape Town coastline, all involving males
Francine Higham said the results reflect the positive impact of sustained investment in water safety programmes and public awareness.
“Cape Town experienced another busy summer season with high visitor numbers at beaches and swimming pools. We thank our lifeguards and drowning prevention partners for their commitment to keeping residents and visitors safe,” she said.
The City is currently midway through a five-year infrastructure improvement programme covering 37 public swimming pools. A proposed budget of R20 million has been allocated for the 2026/27 financial year to support upgrades, maintenance and safety improvements.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue exercising caution when visiting beaches during the off-season, paying attention to warning signs and understanding potential risks when entering the water.
