Sea Rescue issues spring tide warning

The NSRI has issued a warning to all boaters, bathers, beach-goers, sailors and shore anglers to be cautious around the coastline this weekend.

This after the new moon spring tide is set to peak overnight tonight (Friday), producing higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides.

“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 because of winter storms and cold fronts passing over parts of the coastline and deep sea, and where rip currents may be stronger than normal around the coastline,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

“The effect that spring tides have on the coast, causing the two daily high tides to be higher than normal and the two daily low tides to be lower than normal, will be strongest today [Friday] and over this weekend, gradually declining in intensity towards the middle of next week.

“Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline at all times, but [are] especially noticeable during the outgoing tide.

“We urgently appeal to coastal water users to be cautious during this new moon spring tide phase and the effect [it] has around the coast over this weekend. Be aware of coastal hiking trails that could be cut off during high tide.

“Anglers fishing along the shoreline are urged to keep a safe distance from the shoreline. Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds, fast flowing rivers, and sea currents and drifts.”

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