Press release
7 December 2020
Drakenstein is well known for its hot summer days with temperatures reaching into the high 30s and beyond. As a result, the people of Drakenstein (Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Saron, Gouda, Hermon and Simondium) generally flock to water sources such as swimming pools and rivers to cool off, hold picnics and enjoy the outdoors.
It must be reiterated however that swimming in the Berg River is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Notices in this regard have been posted along the banks of the river.
Earlier this year, Drakenstein Municipality partnered with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to place signboards with potentially life-saving information and equipment along the banks of the Berg River in Paarl.
The signboards carry two emergency numbers, 021 872 2323 and 087 094 9774, to call if someone gets into trouble in the river, as well as a message reminding the public that swimming in the Berg River is prohibited. Attached to the board is a floatation device that should be thrown to the person in the water.
Alderman Conrad Poole, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, reaffirmed that the Municipality took water safety issues very seriously, and has called on residents to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved.
Four signboards and floatation devices have been placed along the riverbank and a local business in the area will assist with the monitoring of the signboards and floatation devices.
The Berg River precinct will continue to be regularly patrolled by law enforcement agencies (through foot and vehicle patrols), and contraventions of the law will be dealt with speedily.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
