A full moon spring tide starts today, as does the winter solstice, which the NSRI team will be embracing; they take on the longest night to do some good!
South Africa (20 June 2024) – Today marks the Winter Solstice, can we get a yay for summer!? While tonight may be the longest night, from here on out, they start getting shorter until spring arrives. Along with the wintery night calling, the NSRI has issued a safety alert for all beachgoers because there is also a Spring tide on the way.
The NSRI and all 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 causes the daily 2 high tides to be higher than normal and the daily 2 low tides to be lower than normal.
Starting today, the Spring tide will peak on Saturday the 22nd of June 2024.
“The affect that Spring tide has on the coast, caused by the gravitational effect that the moon has on the earth – causing the 2 daily high tides to be higher than normal and the 2 daily low tides to be lower than normal, – will already be noticeable around the coastline increasing in intensity towards the full moon peak, on Saturday, and then gradually declining in intensity towards the middle of next week.
Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline – especially during the outgoing tide.
With schools vacation now in full swing we are appealing to coastal water uses to be cautious during this full moon Spring tide phase and the affect Spring tide has around the coast.
Be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during high tide.
Rough seas, brought on by 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 bathing, boating and paddling on rivers, lakes and dams where heavy rainfall is forecast for places.
Follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) daily forecasts and around the coast follow daily tide time tables.
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.
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.”
Tonight the NSRI volunteers will be taking an icy plunge to help raise funds for the organisation. You can support their efforts by reading more here. Keep and eye out on the NSRI Facebook page to see the brave men and women take the plunge.
Sources: Supplied
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