SAFETY ALERT – New Moon Spring Tide

NSRI and the emergency services are 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 ( peaking on Saturday during early morning) - bringing the daily 2 high tides to be higher than normal and the daily 2 low tides to be 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 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.

This new moon Spring tide peaks on Saturday 6 July - just after midnight.

The effect that Spring tide has on the coast – causing the 2 daily high tides to be higher than normal and the 2 daily low tides to be lower than normal, – 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.

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.

Boaters, paddlers and sailors, we are appealing to you 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 conditions are forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Services) during this weekend and into the new week / We are appealing to the public to follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) daily forecasts and around the coastline be aware of the daily tide time tables.

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 - Lets keep each other safe.