Cape Town marked World Drowning Prevention Day, which takes place later this week, with a joyful, educational event at Sea Point Pavilion Pool, equipping children and caregivers with vital water safety skills.
Sea Point, South Africa (22 July 2025) – Despite a gentle drizzle, the energy inside Sea Point Pavilion Pool, Cape Town’s oldest indoor swimming venue, was anything but grey. Dozens of children, hand-in-hand with their parents and guardians, arrived eager for a day that mixed fun with something far more vital: lifesaving education.
With the City’s lifeguards leading the way, the atmosphere was joyful, engaging, and above all, empowering. From pool noodle splashes and kickboard races to bubble-blowing techniques that helped little ones learn to breathe confidently in water, every activity was carefully crafted to boost water awareness and build essential skills, while still feeling like play.
The City of Cape Town’s Drowning Prevention Programme was front and centre, with static displays of rescue equipment and lifeguard vessels giving attendees a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the gear that saves lives. But perhaps the most important moment of the day was the launch of the City’s “Golden Rules for Water Safety”, a simple, memorable set of guidelines designed to help children and caregivers stay safe in and around water:
- Only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between the red and yellow flags
- Watch out for rip currents
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol
- Actively supervise children at all times
While the focus was on fun, the underlying message was clear: drowning is preventable, and water safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“While this may seem like just a fun day at the pool, what we’ve seen here today is learning in action,” said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. “Through our Drowning Prevention Programme, we’re giving families life-saving knowledge that helps build a safer, more resilient Cape Town. I commend our incredible lifeguards and staff for making this event possible and ensuring that all our residents and visitors can safely enjoy our pool facilities and beaches.”
The day also served to equip caregivers with practical tools and information, encouraging them to play an active role in their children’s safety, whether at public pools, beaches, or even bathtubs at home.
“For the safety of everyone who uses our public pools, it’s vital to teach life skills—and swimming is one of the most important,” said Ward Councillor Ian McMahon. “Events like this encourage parents and guardians to prioritise water safety and ensure their children are confident around water. That’s something we want to see more of across all our communities.”
With free entry for participants and a programme designed to bring children and guardians together, the event offered more than an afternoon of fun, it was a powerful reminder that a culture of safety begins early, and it starts with all of us.
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