Spring Tides and school vacations don't mix well

Sea Rescue – National – Tuesday, 28th June, 2011The New Moon on the 01st July, 2011, brings a spring tide and in the middle of school holidays the concern is raised that school learners on vacation along the coast are at risk.A higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide is caused.spring tide peaks on the day of the full moon and again on the day of the new moon. The effects can be felt from a few days leading up to the peak of spring tide and lasts for a few days following the peak.Spring tide effects combined with rough winter seas are known to cause the strongest rip currents.In South Africa recent history appears to indicate that during the few days surrounding the spring tide, and particularly when high tide peaks and begins to move towards low tide, beach people are at greatest risk of being swept out to sea.The NSRI is urging children, teachers and parents to be acutely aware of the stronger than normal tides and to exercise extreme caution.SAFETY TIPS:Anglers fishing from rocks along the coastline should wear life-jackets and never turn their back to the sea.Anyone on a boat or paddle craft should wear their life-jackets at all times while their vessel or craft is underway.Always let a responsible person know your departure time, your exact route and your return time. Stick to your exact route and check in with the responsible person on your safe return.People living along the coast and people visiting the coast on vacation should find out what their nearest sea rescue emergency phone number is by visiting www.nsri.org.za or calling (021) 4344011 during office hours.Children should at all times have responsible adult supervision around water – inland waters, coastal waters, seas, swimming pools, lagoons, lakes, dams, rivers, reservoirs, canals and puddles.NSRI volunteers are on duty 24 hours a day every day of the year.