NSRI and emergency services appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers to be cautious around the coastline as the new moon spring tide peaks today and early tomorrow morning.
It causes the two high tides to be higher than normal and the two daily low tides to be lower than normal.
This effect will last into the new week.
Craig Lambinon, spokesman for NSRI, said 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.”
It will peak later tonight and early tomorrow and remain strong over the weekend, before gradually declining during next week.
Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline at all times, but especially during the outgoing tide.
“We are urgently appealing to coastal water uses to be cautious. Be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during high tide. Anglers fishing along the shoreline are urged to keep a safe distance away from the shoreline. Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds, fast flowing rivers and sea currents and drifts,” said Lambinon.
A special appeal to boaters, paddlers and sailors, to wear life-jackets when your craft are underway, carry safety equipment and download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app.
Rough seas, brought on by winter storms and cold fronts, may contribute to hazardous conditions around the coastline during this spring tide phase.
Cold fronts causing heavy rain and rough sea have been forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Services) during this weekend and into the new week.
Lambinon appeals to the public to follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) daily forecasts.
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. To everyone, we are appealing to you to be safety cautious during the remainder of the school vacation – Let’s keep each other safe,” said Lambinon.
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