The City of Cape Town has hailed its 2025 IdentiKidz Programme as a major success, with more than 129,000 children tagged at beaches during the festive season to help prevent youngsters from going missing.

The child safety initiative ran from 15 December to 18 January, with Strand, Muizenberg and Strandfontein recorded as the busiest beaches.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says the programme provided an extra layer of protection during an exceptionally busy summer period.

“To the staff who were at their posts day in and day out, I extend my sincere appreciation for your efforts. Thank you also to the thousands of parents who trusted the programme to participate and register their children.”

A total of 227 children were safely reunited with their caregivers this season, while five were handed over to the Department of Social Development (DSD) when caregivers could not be located, an improvement compared to last year’s figures.

Higham has again urged parents and beachgoers to prioritise child safety and follow drowning prevention rules at beaches and pools.

“We encourage everyone to continue to put safety first and to remember the four rules of drowning prevention. Swim only between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags at beaches, do not swim under the influence of alcohol, be alert to the dangers of rip currents and actively supervise children at all times, especially around water.”