Close to 40 children who went missing at Cape Town beaches over the Christmas long weekend have all been reunited with their families.
Safety and security mayoral committee member JP Smith, said in a statement, that the City of Cape Town’s ‘Identikidz’ Programme should be commended for the safe return of the lost kids.
The programme provides armbands with the contact details of parents or caregivers of children. In the case a child is separated from their family, the armband helps relevant authorities get the minor back to their family.
Smith said that an estimated 45 000 people headed to the city’s beaches and pools this holiday period, fewer than expected when compared to the same time last year.
Smith welcomed the decrease in drowning, with a current number of three compared to 7 for the same time period in 2016, and 15 in 2015.
“With another peak weekend coming up, we remain vigilant. Drowning remains a concern and we urge people to have fun safely and to swim where there are lifeguards,” Smith added.
“Emergency personnel put in long hours to ensure that visitors leave the city with only happy memories.”
On the roads, provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa said 29 motorists were arrested in the province for driving under the influence of alcohol and four for other traffic-related offences.
Africa urged motorists not to drink and drive.
“Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, and they endangers the lives of other road users,” Africa said.
“If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.”
Picture credit Muizenberg Info