Cape Town is gearing up for its busiest summer yet with a record rollout of festive season safety measures.
The City has deployed 700 new officers since September, joining more than 4,000 existing enforcement and emergency personnel to boost visibility across beaches, roads and tourist hotspots.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis unveiled the City’s Festive Season Safety Plan at Muizenberg Beach last week, alongside Alderman JP Smith and Councillor Francine Higham. While visitors flock to the coast, the City is ramping up drowning prevention efforts and will continue its daily anti-gang operations will continue unchanged.
Over 1,000 LEAP officers will remain on shift in hotspot areas every day, supporting SAPS throughout the summer.
Expect to see more officers on highways, at braai spots, on popular beaches and at major attractions like Table Mountain. City teams will run 24-hour highway patrols, vehicle checkpoints across the metro, and step up enforcement along the N2 with a dedicated 40-officer unit. Neighbourhood policing teams are also on the alert in each allocated ward to ensure a safer holiday season.
“Cape Town is ready to welcome locals and visitors to our beautiful city this festive season,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.“This record safety deployment, backed by 700 new officers, comes as we look forward to another bumper tourism season.”
Drowning Prevention Alert
Cape Town’s drowning prevention campaign is in full swing too, with 340 beach lifeguards and 343 pool lifeguards stationed at 29 beaches, tidal pools, coastal stretches and all public pools from 10am to 6pm daily.
The Identikidz child-tracking programme will return to the city’s busiest beaches after tagging more than 120,000 children last summer to help reunite them with caregivers.
"We ask the public to follow lifeguard instructions, swim only during designated hours, and keep a close watch on children at all times. With everyone's cooperation, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all,' said Councillor Higham.
There will continue to be a zero tolerance for alcohol on beaches and in public spaces. The city plans to ramp up roadblocks, alcohol testing, random vehicle checks and beach patrols.
READ: How Safe is Cape Town? City records R9.5bn spend on infrastructure, safety and security
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Water-safety essentials:
- Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, between red-and-yellow flags
- Watch for rip currents
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times
Cape Town’s drowning-prevention partners include Lifesaving Cape Town’s 14 coastal clubs and the NSRI, which can deploy rescue swimmers and vessels from eight bases across the city. See the full list of lifeguards duty schedules here.
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Who to call in an emergency?
- Any emergency - call 112 (from any cellphone) or 10177(from a landline).
- Drowning or sea rescue emergency - general NSRI +27 21 434 4011
- Fire emergency - call 10111
- Ambulance - call 10177
- The police - call 10111
- Poisons Information Helpline - call 0861 555 777
Safety Tips for Travellers to Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant, world-class destination, but like many global cities, it’s not immune to crime. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe and street-smart during your next visit.
- Stay alert in busy or crowded areas
Cape Town’s CBD and popular tourist zones (such as Long Street, Greenmarket Square, and transport hubs) can attract pickpockets and opportunistic thieves, especially in crowded conditions. Keep your belongings close, zipped up and ideally in front of you.
- Don’t display valuables openly
Cell‑phone snatching is a common petty crime, often carried out by quick grab-and-run tactics on sidewalks or near intersections. Avoid walking with your phone out or holding it loosely, particularly in quieter or unfamiliar areas.
- Secure your vehicle and don’t leave items visible
Theft from vehicles is a well-known issue, including in parts of the inner city, mountain hike parking areas, and beachfront spots. Always lock your car and never leave bags, jackets, or chargers in plain sight - even for a quick stop.
- Use trusted transport and plan your routes
Avoid walking alone at night. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, especially after dark, and plan your route in advance to steer clear of less secure areas.
- Stay aware, not afraid
While Cape Town has its share of challenges, the risk of petty crime is similar to that in many major cities worldwide. Most visits are incident-free, especially when travellers exercise common sense, avoid high-risk areas, and stay informed through local advice or hotel staff.
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