Cape Town’s seasonal lifeguard operations have officially come to an end, with the City confirming that the 2025-’26 summer period has been recorded as the safest water safety season in seven years.

Lifeguards completed their final shifts on 7 April and will return in October for the next summer season. With the end of the operational period, all community swimming pools have now closed for winter, allowing the City’s Recreation and Parks Department to carry out essential maintenance, repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Selected indoor swimming facilities will remain open throughout the year.

Strong safety outcomes across beaches and pools

The City reported significant improvements in water safety outcomes this season. There were no fatal or non-fatal drownings recorded at municipal swimming pools, and no fatal drownings at designated bathing areas along Cape Town’s coastline.

While 38 non-fatal drowning incidents were recorded along the coast, authorities said many of these situations were successfully managed through the rapid response of lifeguards, bystanders and emergency services, preventing more serious outcomes. Nine fatal drownings were recorded along the coastline during the season, all involving males, including two teenagers.

Officials say the overall figures reflect continued progress in the City’s drowning prevention strategy, which combines lifeguard deployment, public education and coordinated rescue efforts.

“Cape Town experienced yet another bumper summer, with hundreds of thousands of visitors to our beaches and swimming pools. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the lifeguards who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe, in spite of the challenges that come with water safety. Thank you also to our partners in drowning prevention, who contributed significantly to a successful season,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.

Near-drowning incidents highlight ongoing risks

Despite the improved safety record, several near-drowning incidents reported during the summer highlighted the unpredictable nature of ocean conditions around Cape Town. Authorities stressed that even popular beaches can quickly become dangerous due to changing tides, rip currents and weather conditions.

Beachgoers echoed these concerns while reflecting on the season. “I’ve been coming to the beach for years, and you really can’t underestimate how fast things can change. The lifeguards made a huge difference this summer,” said beach visitor Sarah Williams.

Milnerton regular Thabo Mokoena added: “You could see how alert the lifeguards were all season. It definitely made families feel safer, especially on busy days.”

Melkbosstrand beachgoer Emma Jacobs said increased awareness played a role too: “People are more cautious now. You notice parents watching their kids much closer, especially when the water is rough.”

Investment and future safety focus

The City has now shifted its attention to maintaining and upgrading public swimming facilities, with a proposed R20 million budget allocation for the 2026-’27 financial year aimed at refurbishments, repairs and scheduled maintenance.

This forms part of a broader five-year programme to upgrade Cape Town’s 37 public swimming pools, several of which have already undergone improvements.

As winter begins, authorities continue to urge caution around water, noting that lifeguard services are no longer active and that coastal conditions remain unpredictable throughout the year.

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