Beachgoers and water-sports enthusiasts visiting Strand Beach can look forward to a safer summer season, thanks to the rollout of new demarcation boards.

The installation marks the successful culmination of a nearly 10-year community-driven initiative to establish dedicated safe swimming and surf zones.

The campaign was spearheaded by local community activist and Hottentots Holland Beach Sailing Club member Dorette Bassil, alongside Jennifer Chatburn, who manages several bodyboarding groups.

It began almost a decade ago following mounting safety concerns and close calls on the shore.

Bassil recalled multiple personal incidents involving surfers who struggled to control their boards, forcing swimmers to duck and dive to avoid sharp fins. Over the years, friction between swimmers and surfers grew, fuelled by a lack of clear beach zoning and the absence of a structured coastal management plan.

Although initial advocacy stalled due to a lack of municipal response, the campaign was reignited last year following a series of serious accidents involving surfers and bodyboarders. Chatburn and Bassil re-engaged with municipal officials and their persistence paid off when the City of Cape Town’s coastal management department and drowning prevention manager supported the project.

The design of the new information boards was a collaborative effort involving the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club, local beach sailing clubs and Son Surf. Together, stakeholders reached a consensus on clear visual layouts that indicate designated water-use zones, helping visitors and water sports participants identify safe areas for swimming and surfing.

With the boards going up just ahead of the peak summer season, the new infrastructure provides vital regulatory backing for beach safety personnel. Strand Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards now have clear authority to direct surfers away from designated swimming zones.

Additionally, the boards highlight areas with predominant sea currents, protecting vulnerable swimmers and significantly reducing the risk of drownings.

Bassil expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “I am feeling happy as it was a community-driven initiative and it was great to be able to get the assistance of certain City officials.”

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