Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Calls to revamp ‘danger’ pool
THE safety of swimmers at the Graaff’s pool along the Atlantic Seaboard has been raised by the City council.
This week, Atlantic Seaboard resident, David Wicht made a social media appeal to have the Sea Point “pool” restored to its original state, calling on donors and professionals to begin crowdfunding.
When approached by Weekend Argus for comment, he declined speak publicly.
In his post, he called for the natural ravine’s large concrete deck to be restored which could be used for sunbathing, yoga, picnics or meditation and for the stairwell to be repaired.
But ward councillor Nicola Jowell said the concern was the safety of swimmers in the ocean and on land as the area drew criminal activities and was not protected along the coastline.
“In 2005, the wall that was up on the side of Graaff’s pool was half demolished to significantly reduce the height of the wall. This was in response to a significant amount of complaints and concerns about criminal and anti-social behaviour that was happening on the other side of the wall, hidden from view,” she said.
“Over the last few years, the City’s Coastal Management Branch has invested in the upkeep and maintenance of tidal pools across the ward such as Saunders, Maidens Cove, Sea Point and Camps Bay Tidal Pools.
“The Graaff’s pool which was not a formal tidal pool as the others are, has always had more significant concerns around users safety as it is not as protected from the ocean as the others.
“The swimming potential here is far more limited and considered risky for a potential user and as such has not been prioritised by the department.”
Jowell said she had a site meeting with officials but the work required would be extensive and that safety risk to swimmers would be of concern.
Sea Point Fresnaye Bantry Bay Rate Payers Association was also approached by Weekend Argus for comment but they did not respond to queries.
In 2005, Mayco safety and security member, JP Smith, who was the then ward councillor, administered the demolition of the concrete wall at Graaf’s pool due to crime.
It was a popular hangout for nude men sunbathers at one stage.
According to its historic background, the pool was built by Pieter Marias in 1910, a businessman in the wine trade who built it for his paralysed wife who bathed with assistance in the ocean daily.
Later, a tunnel was built from the couple’s home, under the road so his wife could be brought to the pool and not be seen.
The name of the pool was derived from businessman and politician, Jacobus Arnoldus Graaff, who had bequeathed the pool to the City.
Luthando Tyhalibongo, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town, said they were aware of the structural state of the pool.
“Rebuilding the tidal pool is not on the City’s capital programme due to competing priorities. The City’s Recreation and Parks and Coastal Management departments will engage on the way forward regarding the removal of the remains on the wall and possible ways to make it more attractive.”