Warning against deadly tides
KwaMbonambi SAPS has urged community members not to swim at unprotected beaches.
FOLLOWING two recent drownings along the Nhlabane coastline, the KwaMbonambi SAPS has urged community members not to swim at unprotected beaches, particularly with the new moon this week bringing spring tide rip currents to Zululand’s shores.
Perilous tides at these beaches on 15 December overpowered Senzo Mthiyane (26) and Siyabonga Shangase (16).
The body of Shangase was only found the next day at Nzalabantu Beach near RBM after members of the community rallied and spent the entire night searching for the teen.
‘We would like to warn the KwaMbonambi and surrounding communities about the dangerous zones in the area,’ said KwaMbonambi Station Commander Colonel SS Fakazi.
‘Nhlabane beaches are not safe for swimming. Stay away from these beaches as they are not supervised by lifesavers and we also strongly advise that parents look after their children.’
The NSRI also issued a cautionary statement.
‘On Thursday (29/12/16) at 8.53am, the monthly new moon occurs.
‘This means that the twice monthly spring tide (which occurs every month at full moon and at new moon) peaks,’ Sea Rescue said.
‘Spring tides bring higher than normal high tides, lower than normal low tides and stronger than normal rip currents around the coastline.
‘The new moon spring tide is now in its full intensity and will gradually lessen in intensity towards Monday.
‘NSRI is urging bathers, paddlers and anglers to be aware of this end of the year new moon spring tide happening at a time when most families will be visiting the beach and extreme caution around the coast is advised.’
Lifesaving tips
• Go to beaches only where and when lifeguards are on duty and swim between the demarcated safety zones that lifeguards post at beaches using their red and yellow flags.
• Paddlers and boaters should download the free app RSA Safetrx to their cell phones. This enables paddlers and boaters to indicate they have an emergency with the push of a button while it gives Sea Rescue their exact location.
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