The NSRI has issued safety alerts for both the upcoming Spring Tide and a rise in shark-related incidents; this is what you need to know:
South Africa (05 May 2023) – Spring tides generally mean that the high tide is much higher than usual and the low tide, much lower. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is staying vigilant over the weekend in case of any emergencies but asks that the public be aware of the dangers. They have issued a safety alert.
Along with the Spring tide alert, they are asking ocean swimmers, paddlers and surfers to be aware of sharks as there have been a rise in incidents recently.
“The full moon Spring tide is here, it peaks today, on Friday, 5th of May, and as normal bathers and sea users are warned to be cautious during the Spring Tides higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides.
There are 2 high tides and 2 low tides daily and times are slighter later on each following day.
Refer to daily tide tables.
Spring tides are known to cause stronger than normal rip currents and risks are normally increased at the tide change- when the high tide peak recedes towards low tide.
NSRI are appealing to the public to be cautious around the coastline.
Even though Summer weather conditions appear to prevail – Winter seas are building and this is causing our coastline to experience some rough seas at times. Refer to the SAWS SA WEATHER SERVICES for updates.
Bathers, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers, recreational and commercial boaters are urged to have safety top of mind.
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We are also appealing to parents to ensure that children have responsible adult supervision in and around water – at coastal waters, at inland waters, swimming pools or any body of water.
The Spring tide affect on the coastline will gradually recede into the middle of the new week so this weekend and the early part of the new week be extremely cautious.
Then, with 2 shark incidents this past week, we are appealing to bathers and sea users to exercise caution when swimming, surfing, paddling and sail boarding”
So if you find yourself at the beach this weekend, perhaps soaking in the final summer-like days, be mindful of what the ocean may be up to.
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