The Identikidz child safety programme is underway, and it’s already yielding positive results.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the popular programme – implemented by the Community Services and Health Directorate – would kick off at Cape Town’s busiest beaches, just in time for the school holiday rush.
Here is the latest programme update from the City of Cape Town…
IDENTIKIDZ SAFETY PROGRAMME OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START
Identikidz sees children being issued with identification bands, or “tags”. These tags contain a unique serial number. Together with the recorded contact details of the child’s parents or caregiver, it enables officials to reunite children with their families if they become separated.
The programme officially commenced on Monday, 15 December 2025.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, the City of Cape Town revealed that more than 11 998 children were tagged in just two days.
“On Monday, as the programme kicked off, 3 079 children were tagged. Yesterday, 8 919 children were registered as crowds flocked to the beaches,” they said. “No children were lost or missing on Monday, while 11 were reunited with parents or caregivers yesterday.”
Of the participating beaches, Strandfontein recorded 1 540 registrations, followed by Strand with 1 316 and Muizenberg with 1 120.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR THE SAFETY PROGRAMME
If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s visiting the beach with children, you are highly encouraged to register them in the Identikidz safety programme.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said, “This initiative is completely free and will be available at some of our busiest beaches.
“If your children are joining other families or friends, please ask them to stop at the green container upon arrival, and remember to give them your phone number before they leave home.”
HOW LONG WILL IT RUN FOR?
The programme will run over the course of 15 days, starting from 09:00 to 18:30 on the following dates:
- December 2025: 15th, 16th, 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th.
- January 2026: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th.
Participating beaches include:
- Big Bay
- Camps Bay
- Fish Hoek
- Gordon’s Bay
- Harmony Park
- Melkbosstrand
- Milnerton Beach
- Mnandi
- Monwabisi
- Muizenberg
- Sea Point and the surrounding area
- Silwerstroom
- Strand
- Strandfontein
Additionally, the programme will be active at Maiden’s Cove on 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.
So, if you’re planning to head to these beaches – which are on the path to being crowded – with your little ones this festive season, it’s best to play it safe by having them tagged.
