The bodies of two men were discovered on the rocks near Milton pool in Sea Point on Tuesday 1 February.
Sea Point police say the men are believed to have drowned.
According to Capt Cyril Dicks, communications officer at the station, the bodies were discovered by beachgoers at 10:00 and 13:30, respectively.
He says both men are estimated to be in their mid-thirties and have yet to be identified.
“Sea Point police suspect no foul play and inquest case dockets have been opened for both deceased to determine if someone needs to be charged. Anyone with information that can help with the identification of both deceased can contact Sea Point Police Station on 021 430 3700.”
The City says it recorded 15 fatal drownings between September last year and Sunday 23 January. A total of 39 non-fatal drownings were recorded over the same period.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community safety, says: “These were successful rescues where patients would otherwise have lost their lives if not for the interventions of first responders and emergency services. Additional rescues were also performed by voluntary lifeguards from the 15 lifesaving clubs in Cape Town and the NSRI members from their base and satellite stations on duty around the coast.”
Van der Ross says in most of these cases, the victims had been swimming outside of designated bathing areas, on unguarded beaches or outside of lifeguard hours. She makes renewed calls for beachgoers to swim in areas where lifeguards are deployed and expresses her gratitude to all lifeguards and emergency personnel.
“We thank these brave souls for putting their lives on the line to help others, amid some very challenging conditions and packed beaches.”
She says the City remains positive that all services working towards the common goal of drowning prevention will do their utmost to ensure these numbers do not increase.
“Success is largely dependent on the responsible and informed decisions made by the public visiting beaches and swimming pools, and the collaborative efforts of all services attending to their safety.”
She continues: “Swim safety should be everyone’s responsibility and if the public plays an active role in their personal safety and all services play their part, it is possible to achieve the City’s drowning prevention vision.”
Van der Ross says there is ongoing public communication and awareness about how to avoid the risk of accidental drowning.
