The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on Tuesday, issued a safety alert for the full moon Spring tide.
The full moon spring tide will cause the daily two tides to be higher than normal and the daily two tides to be lower than normal.
“The NSRI, police, and emergency services are appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers, and coastal hikers to be cautious around the coastline as the full moon spring tide approaches,” NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.
The full moon spring tide peals with the full moon on Thursday, October 17.
“The effect that Spring tide has on the coast, caused by the gravitational effect that the moon has on the earth causes the two daily high tides to be higher than normal and the two daily low tides to be lower than normal, this will already be noticeable around the coastline and will increase in intensity towards the full moon peak, peaking in intensity on Thursday, and then gradually declining in intensity towards the end of the coming weekend,” Lambinon said.
He said the Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline, especially during the outgoing tide. However, the NSRI appeals to bathers to be cautious at all times.
“We are appealing to coastal water users to be cautious during this full moon Spring tide phase and the effect that Spring tide has on the coastal shoreline. Be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during the high tide,” Lambinon said.
“Recent rough seas, brought on by the tail end of winter storms and cold fronts, may contribute to hazardous conditions around the coastline during this Spring tide phase. “Inland water users are also urged to be cautious when bathing, boating and paddling on rivers, lakes, and dams.”
People are also urged to follow the South African Weather Service (Saws) daily weather forecasts and the daily tide timetables.
“Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds, fast flowing rivers, sea currents and drifts,” Lambinon said.
“Boaters, paddlers and sailors, we are appealing to you to wear life jackets when your craft is underway, carry safety equipment and download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app. We appeal to parents to ensure their children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.”