What was meant to be a joyous family day at Trafalgar Swimming Baths in Woodstock turned into a heart breaking event when eight-year-old Bunono Mtshawu drowned on Sunday 27 February.
“It’s very sad and we are still in disbelief of this whole situation,” says Yolanda Mtshawu, cousin of Bunono.
She explained the family made full use of the summer’s day and took the children to the pool.
“On Sunday we went to Woodstock pool. It was very sunny so we decided to take the kids out. When we got there, because we didn’t have all the refreshments, there was a shop opposite the pool where I went to get some snacks, so I left the kids with my cousin. The kids were swimming and so excited to see the water. The pool is not that deep; you could see Bunono’s head when she was standing.”
Mtshawu says she was hardly in the store when she received a frantic call from her cousin prompting her to rush back.
“When I got there I saw people doing CPR. I was confused about what was going on. Bunono and her friend got into difficulties, and they managed to save her friend, but they couldn’t save Bunono. There was only one lifeguard that helped and the other lifeguards apparently were on lunch.”
Deanna February, principal communications officer for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), says EMS responded to the incident at 15:59 on Sunday.
According to February, Bunono died on the scene while her 10-year-old friend was treated by the paramedics.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased minor.”
Mtshawu describes her young cousin as having been “bubbly” and “smart”.
“She was a very bubbly kid, very active, smart at school. She loved water and swimming. She always wanted to go to the beach, and if we were not going to the beach, she wanted to play with the water outside when it’s hot. Her mother is not taking it so well. We are all not taking it well.”
According to the Khayelitsha family, there were about four lifeguards on the premises, but one monitoring the pool.
“The ambulance took about 45 minutes to come,” Mtshawu said. “We believe if the ambulance was early or if there were lifeguards around, they would have been able to help. There was only one lifeguard around the pool. The lifeguards only came in later when people were doing CPR by themselves.”
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community service and health, says five lifeguards were on duty “supervising hundreds of patrons” recorded at the facility at the time of the incident.
“Trafalgar Swimming Baths has a maximum capacity of 950 patrons in total inside the swimming pools grounds, using both swimming pools and grassy areas for recreation. Records indicate that 56% of the maximum capacity was reached at the time of the incident.”
Van der Ross says lifeguards on duty responded to a girl struggling in the water at about 15:40.
“While attending to resuscitation of the first patient, another child was retrieved from the main swimming pool in need of urgent medical attention,” she said.
“Attending to the patients simultaneously, City lifeguards worked in teams administering CPR on both patients until paramedics arrived at approximately 16:05.”
Van der Ross said the facility is currently closed to the public until further notice pending an investigation.
“The department wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. A full forensic investigation has been underway since the incident. Working closely with the police, the department of labour and all other relevant stakeholders.”
According to Van der Ross, the City implements a comprehensive Drowning Prevention Plan throughout the season, providing for extensive selection, assessment and strategic placement of lifeguards.
“There is also implementation of safety protocols and various levels of management supervision of all teams working on duty at all times at municipal swimming pools and beaches. This includes senior lifeguards and facility managers on site to support lifeguards throughout their shifts.”
The City encourages the public show consideration for the family of the deceased and avoid circulating graphic images and footage of the incidents taken on site.
Bunono will be laid to rest later this week.
- To assist with any information related to the investigation, contact the local police, Law Enforcement and/or the Recreation and Parks Department at RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za
