The Berg River is being placed under increased scrutiny as warmer weather arrives, while Drakenstein’s municipal swimming pools are open for the summer season.
According to Eda Barnard, Drakenstein Municipality’s Executive Director for Safety and Community Services, the municipality’s summer-safety plan will run from 1 December 2026 to 31 January 2027, with law-enforcement teams deployed across the municipal area, including the Berg River.
“Our Law Enforcement teams will be active across the municipal area to prevent illegal activities and address bylaw infringements such as drinking in public, urinating in public and making fires.”
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The river area will be patrolled by Law Enforcement officers on foot, bicycle and in vehicles, with vehicle checkpoints also planned. The municipality is also urging people visiting the Berg River to take precautions, particularly parents bringing children to the area.
“Residents and visitors to the Berg River area are urged to follow the instructions on the noticeboards and to use the temporary toilets that will be provided.”
Swimming in the river is specifically discouraged by the municipality.
“The municipality discourages swimming in the Berg River in the interest of the public’s safety,” Barnard said.
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Residents wanting to cool off at a municipal facility instead have five swimming pools to choose from, all of which officially reopened on last Thursday (1 October). The swimming pools will operate from 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Sunday.
“Accredited and professionally trained lifeguards are on duty at every pool throughout operating hours,” said Barnard, “and additional security personnel have been deployed to ensure a safe environment for families and community members.”
A total of 53 lifeguards were appointed.
