Despite a decline in overall drownings, the alarming number of child fatalities highlights the need for increased safety measures at beaches. Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Cape Town - Drownings have decreased since the start of the peak festive season, with nine persons losing their lives at sea and 30 near-drowning incidents reported.
Among the incidents include the New Year’s Day tragedy at Table View Beach, when a father and daughter managed to keep a man afloat using an NSRI pink rescue buoy.
Sadly, when the 46-year-old man from Philippi was brought to shore, he could not be revived.
Another drowning incident occurred when NSRI teams were called to Tsaarsbank Picnic Site along the West Coast, near Vondeling Island, after being alerted by SANParks on January 2 of 16-year-old Neo September from Elsies River, who was caught in a rip current.
September’s sister, Kaylin, told IOL that the family had gone to a braai site and that her brother had wanted to wet his feet and had later been swept into the water.
An extensive search for the missing teen was conducted by the NSRI while September’s boyfriend, who had tried to rescue him, was brought to shore.
“An extensive air, sea and shoreline search has revealed no signs of the missing teenager,” said Craig Lambinon of the NSRI.
“Thoughts, care and compassion are with the families of the missing teenager in this difficult time.”
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said they had seen a decrease in fatal drownings, but noted that most of the recent cases involved children.
“The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has seen a slight downturn in fatal drownings over the peak festive season, compared to last year.
However, the number of child drownings is a concern,” she said.
“Of the nine fatal drownings since the start of the season in September 2024, four occurred in December, compared to five the previous December.
“The majority of those who drowned were male, and the youngest patient was just nine years old.
“We are alarmed by the number of young children who have drowned this season.
“Last season, no fatalities younger than 16 were recorded.”
Van der Ross added that an analysis of incidents this season showed all but one happened either outside of designated bathing areas or outside of lifeguard duty hours.
“Our lifeguards have also responded to more than 30 non-fatal drownings, all of which were serious and where patients required anything from oxygen to hospitalisation. Without the intervention of lifeguards, these too could have been fatal.
“I want to commend the staff for their amazing efforts to keep beachgoers safe, despite ongoing challenges like alcohol abuse, patrons not adhering to instructions, and other anti-social behaviour,” she said.
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