As summer approaches, the City of Cape Town is urging residents and visitors to take collective responsibility for keeping its world-famous beaches clean, safe, and welcoming. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has intensified beach maintenance efforts ahead of the busy holiday season, including a major clean-up this week at Maiden’s Cove.
Beach clean-up shared responsibility
Located between Clifton 4th and Camps Bay, Maiden’s Cove saw teams collect several bags of broken glass and other litter as part of an ongoing initiative to protect the city’s coastal environment.
“Cape Town’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and offer various biologically diverse habitats. We all have a role to play in keeping them clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone,” said Councillor Francine Higham, the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
The initiative aligns with World Habitat Day, observed on 6 October, which this year focuses on urban crisis response, addressing climate challenges and inequality while promoting sustainable solutions. The city states that protecting coastal spaces is a crucial part of maintaining urban resilience.
Promoting safe and responsible beach visits
To ensure everyone enjoys a safe summer, the City is also reminding beachgoers to adhere to the Four Golden Rules for Safe Swimming:
- Swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
- Stay between the red-and-yellow flags.
- Avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol.
- Never leave children unsupervised near water.
Higham added that beaches are “shared spaces for families, friends, and visitors,” and urged the public to act responsibly by not drinking alcohol on the beach, using bins provided, recycling, and leaving only footprints behind.
Building a culture of environmental care
Cape Town’s coastal management teams plan to continue public awareness campaigns throughout summer, focusing on community participation in environmental care. The city believes that education, responsible behaviour, and cooperation between officials and the public can keep the coastline pristine for generations to come.
“By working together and following safety and environmental guidelines,” the City said,
“Residents and visitors can help ensure Cape Town’s beaches remain safe, welcoming, and environmentally friendly for all.”
