City Of Cape Town To Take Zero-Tolerance Approach To Alcohol Use At Beaches

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says that it will have a zero-tolerance approach to people who drink at any of its beaches.

Officials say that more than two-thirds of injuries and drownings involve people who are under the influence of alcohol.

Around 3,700 litres of alchol have so far been confiscated from beaches and other public spaces since 1 December.

The city's JP Smith says 100 more lifeguards will be added to the nearly 1,800 already deployed.

"We've made this arrangement to compensate for the closure of many of the municipal swimming pools that will more than likely see an increase in the number of visitors to our beaches and tidal pools. However, much of our success will depend on the cooperation of the public. We still have far too many people swimming outside of the designated bathing areas and who disregard the instructions of the lifeguards."