Safe and sound

Much of the advice that follows is common sense, but taking a few simple precautions will make you feel safer and help stop you becoming one of the unlucky few who may become a victim of crime.

Cape Town’s Central Business District and major malls are careful to safeguard tourists against crime. Surveillance cameras monitor activities in the Central Business District, and security guards watch over major shopping centres. Nonetheless, tourists should take the same precautions they would in any major city.

You can contact the school in an emergency 24 hours a day by telephoning
 + 27 (0) 83 326 6672.

From a Cape Town phone dial 10111 for the Police; dial 10177 for an ambulance. From mobile phones dial 112 for all emergency services.

Avoid carrying large sums of cash, having cameras or video-cameras exposed, leaving belongings unattended, and in general, take advice on where to go after dark.

Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. Many social workers warn against giving money to children as it usually gets handed over to an older figure or is used for drugs. If you wish to help, give food.

The South African sun can be extremely harsh; please be careful and use sunscreen.

When drawing money from ATM machines, do not accept help from strangers. If your card is not returned from the machine, please cancel it immediately with your bank.

Always carry some form of identification (e.g. photocopy of passport), as well as your LAL Cape Town student card. However, do not carry your actual passport.

Please be very careful when swimming in the ocean as the tide can be extremely strong. Swimming is at your own risk.

A serious word of warning about Table Mountain and other mountains. The Western Cape has wonderful walks, hikes and, experts say, some of the world’s best rock climbing - but it can be dangerous.

Sadly, most fatalities on Table Mountain result from tourists underestimating how dangerous it can be. Some routes are for expert climbers with good equipment only. No matter how glorious the day, it can turn nasty in 30 minutes on the mountain.

Be sensible and take a light but warm and waterproof coat, hat, long trousers and a few high energy snacks such as chocolate health bars. Get a good guide and follow guidelines for safe walking on the mountains.

If someone is in danger, phone Mountain Rescue on 10177. Carrying a mobile phone is essential.