Lifesaving South Africa has issued a warning that the current heatwave, following intense flooding across various provinces, could create dangerous conditions that significantly increase drowning risks. The organisation cautions that individuals may struggle to properly assess both water hazards and their own swimming abilities before entering the water.
Expert Highlights Key Risk Factors
Dhaya Sewduth, Lifesaving South Africa’s media liaison officer, emphasised that many people cannot identify rip currents or recognise the dangers posed by swollen rivers. “Therefore, the advisory is not to take a chance, as these conditions create very dangerous situations,” he explained.
In a recent interview with the Express regarding festive season drownings, Sewduth revealed troubling statistics. An estimated 40 drownings occurred during the festive season, with the largest proportion of victims being children and teenagers aged 4 to 17.
Rural areas face greatest risk
Sewduth noted that drownings frequently occur in rural and inland areas, often exacerbated by climate change and flooding. “Recreational drownings also happen in rural areas where children swim in unprotected rivers, dams, canals, and quarries,” he explained.
“People store water in containers, and if left uncovered, tragedy can occur. A toddler can drown in just 5-7 centimeters of water if they fall headfirst into a bucket,” Sewduth warned.
Alcohol a Major Contributing Factor
Alcohol consumption plays a significant role in many drowning incidents. “Many swimmers who were rescued displayed clear signs of being under the influence of alcohol, including the smell, vomiting, instability, and impaired judgment,” Sewduth noted.
Recent Tragic Incidents Nationwide
Lifesaving South Africa reported several recent drowning incidents that underscore the severity of the ongoing crisis:
- Northern Cape: On January 27, 2026, the body of a 14-year-old boy was discovered after he drowned in a river. The child had gone swimming with local children on January 24 and disappeared underwater, with his body found three days later through community search efforts.
- Vaal Marina Waterfront: An 11-year-old boy drowned on January 24, 2026, while swimming with at least five other young males. Local SAPS reported that the child swam deeper into the river and got into difficulty. Despite search and rescue efforts recovering his body, he was declared deceased at the scene.
- Eastern Beach, East London: The search continues for a 16-year-old boy who went missing while swimming on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2025. Buffalo City Lifeguards successfully rescued a 14-year-old boy caught in the same rip currents and brought him safely to shore.
- Monwabisi Beach, Cape Town: A male is presumed drowned after entering the ocean at 04:00 on Monday, January 26, 2026. Two males entered the water together, but only one emerged. The search for the missing swimmer continues.
