The various tragic drownings that occurred across the Eastern Cape during the festive season highlight the urgent need for the Provincial Government to take water safety at Eastern Cape swimming beaches more seriously.
While many drownings have been prevented thanks to the outstanding work of the NSRI and volunteers at lifesaving clubs throughout the province, the high number of daily near-drownings and fatalities underscores the need for the government to re-evaluate its lack of support for lifesaving initiatives along our coastline.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be calling on the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, to ensure that in the future, the Department engages with municipalities and provides oversight of water safety plans for upcoming festive seasons. Critical aspects of this oversight should include:
- The availability of lifesavers at popular swimming beaches.
- Access to beaches for emergency services.
- Support provided by municipalities to lifesaving clubs.
- Implementation of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy initiative at popular swimming beaches.
- Plans to control alcohol consumption at popular swimming beaches.
Additionally, there should be a stronger collaboration between the Provincial Government and water safety stakeholders, such as the NSRI. Water safety awareness and ensuring that our residents and visitors are safe while enjoying our beautiful beaches, is just as important as road safety awareness.
The DA would like to sincerely thank the NSRI, various lifesaving clubs, and all other non-governmental organisations involved in preventing drownings along our coast for their selfless service over the festive season. Your efforts have saved countless lives. Without the dedication, determination, and commitment of your mostly volunteer staff, the Eastern Cape would have seen far more drownings during this period.
The unspoilt Eastern Cape coastline is one of our most valuable tourism assets. To protect not only the lives of our residents but also those of visitors to our province, the Provincial Government must prioritise water safety at beaches.
The DA is firmly behind you, fighting for your safety. Together, we can make the Eastern Cape safer and more welcoming for all.