In order to ensure the safety of the swimmers, the beaches of Cape Town are to get 160 additional lifeguards.

The city is planning to extend its alliance with the Western Province Surf Lifesaving Association. The alliance to provide the lifeguards was created two years ago. The Mayoral Committee is to put forward the approval for the extension of the partnership for a further term of three years.

Counsellor Grant Haskin, Mayoral Committee Member for Amenities and Sport said, "This will give WPSLA greater certainty for a longer period and is an expression of our confidence in WPSLA. They will now be able to embark on a long term training and development strategy for clubs and their individual surf lifesavers".

Haskin also said, "We want to enhance easy and safe access to our beaches as they form an integral part of the city's tourism package. With 307 kilometres of coastline it is the city's responsibility to ensure safety at beaches throughout the year".

For a better beach management and reducing the number of drowning incidents, various drives have been launched during the high season over the past two years. As a result, the number went down to nil at the Monwabisi beach alone in the 2006-07 season.

Appreciating the extension of the agreement, WPSLA Chair Mark Dotchin, said, "This provides stability for future planning and has helped us to increase our patrols and time at the city's beaches. As a result 215 new lifeguards joined the association last season".