Edited … NSRI and the emergency services are appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers to be cautious around the coastline, especially during during the new moon Spring tide that peaked early this morning.
The daily two high tides are currently higher than normal and the daily 2 low tides are lower than normal and this effect will last into the new week.
The concern is that during this, the final weekend of schools holidays, the coastline will be experiencing the new moon Spring tide during a time where sea conditions are naturally rougher than normal. This is because of winter storms and cold fronts passing over parts of the coastline and deep sea off the South African coastline and where rip currents may be stronger than normal around the coastline.
The effect that Spring tide has on the coast will be strongest today and over the remainder of this weekend and then gradually declining in intensity towards the middle and towards the end of next week.
Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline – at all times but noticeably especially during the outgoing tide.
“We are urgently appealing to coastal water uses to be cautious during this new moon Spring tide phase and the affect Spring tide has around the coast over this weekend,” the NSRI says.
And the NSRI warns about high tides, fishing and boating in the cold, wet weather at high tide. The new Spring moon high tide peaked just after midnight last night.
I warns that coastal trails can be cut off at high tide and says anglers must be careful when fishing and that everyone should be aware of strong winds, fast flowing rivers and sea currents and drifts.
Plus the NSRI says boaters, paddlers and sailors need to wear life-jackets when on boats and have safety equipment onboard, plus they must download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app.
“We appeal to the public to follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) daily forecasts and around the coastline be aware of the daily tide time tables,” the NSRI says.
“Inland water users are also urged to be cautious bathing, boating and paddling on rivers, lakes and dams where heavy rainfall is forecast for places. Do not drive through flooded roadways or cross bridges affected by flooding rivers.
“We appeal to parents to ensure your children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.
NSRI adds that everyone needs to be safety cautious during the remainder of the school vacation – “Lets keep each other safe!”.(edited)
