Minister Bredell urges Western Cape residents to safeguard lives this Drowning Prevention Day
As the world marks International Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr Anton Bredell, is calling on residents to take drowning prevention seriously, whether at home or during times of severe weather.
In line with this global observance, the Department of Local Government is annually running a drowning prevention awareness campaign, focusing on water safety education and promoting responsible behaviour near all water bodies.
This year’s campaign places special emphasis on a proposed bylaw for Western Cape municipalities, supported by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), that aims to enforce safety measures for private swimming pools. The bylaw will require owners to install proper fencing, or safety covers to help prevent unsupervised access, especially by children.
“We lose too many young lives each year to preventable drownings. Pool owners must take responsibility to secure their pools, just as you’d secure the doors to your house,” said Minister Bredell. “We are acting now to ensure stronger enforcement around pool safety in private homes, because one life lost is one too many.”
While swimming pool-related incidents remain a major concern, the annual awareness campaigns also address drowning during floods, which tend to increase during the province’s winter season. Communities living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to follow safety alerts, avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams, and teach children to steer clear of stormwater drains or canals.
“Our Department, through the PDMC, continues to work with municipalities to improve flood risk communication and community readiness,” said Minister Bredell. “But we need every household to also do their part, be alert, be informed, and most of all, act responsibly around water.”
The Department urges residents to follow the campaign across its digital platforms and share the lifesaving messages widely.
Media Enquiries
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Cell:079 694 3085
Email: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za