The City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department has made every effort to ensure that its facilities are ready for the forthcoming summer season – with a special focus on public swimming pools.
Safety remains a priority this summer and all of the City’s 36 public swimming pools have sufficient and qualified lifeguards on duty. There are currently 25 senior lifeguards and 194 multi-skilled lifeguards working at the City’s public swimming pools.
“The City has increased its safety arrangements at all public swimming pools in order to limit the possibility of drowning incidents. We would like to appeal to all swimming pool users to please obey the instructions and guidance of our lifeguards and City staff. A lifeguard’s most important role is the prevention of incidents of drowning, but they also serve to teach pool users about water safety. Our municipal pools should be places of fun and recreation – without any fear of irresponsible behaviour which can place other bathers at risk,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.
The Parow North, Langa and Newlands swimming pools are all expected to open in the first week of November 2011, due to minor maintenance currently work being conducted. This work will ensure that the swimming pools are in their best possible condition for the summer season. All of the City’s other pools are open already. Most of the City’s pools are open between 10:00 and 17:00 and from 08:00 until 17:00 on very hot days. Regular water testing is conducted by the City’s Scientific Services section to ensure the water quality at all of the City’s pools meets the required standards.
Members of the public are advised that the Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department has taken a decision not to allow any private social events at its municipal swimming pools. This decision is guided by National Occupational Health and Safety Standards. Programmes such as ‘Learn to Swim’ and swimming galas will still be allowed.
Residents are requested to adhere to the following rules when visiting the City’s public swimming pools, for their own safety:
- No alcohol or banned substances may be brought into the facility
- No glass containers are allowed in the facility
- No weapons of any kind are allowed on the premises
- No running or horse-play is allowed in and around the pool
- No dunking or diving off other people’s shoulders is allowed
- No ball games are allowed in or outside the pool area
- No pets may be brought into the facility
- No tents or similar structures may be brought into the facility
- No one may push others into the pool
- Parents should not leave their children unattended at pools
“The City would like to maintain its proud record of preventing serious incidents at our public swimming pools. It is our objective to ensure no drowning incidents at any of our pools this summer, and we rely on the co-operation of those using our pools to ensure this. We look forward to a very enjoyable summer season,” said Councillor Gqada.
