This weekend’s full moon spring tide could be hazardous for bathers and shoreline anglers, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has warned.
The NSRI said the tide is set to cause a higher than normal “high tide and lower than normal low tide” that will “gradually retreat over the next few days”.
“The peak of the full moon spring tide is today [January 6], a full moon micromoon,” the NSRI said
“Caution is advised for today, over the weekend and for the first few days of next week. The concern is that coastal bathers and shoreline anglers who are not aware of the full moon and new moon spring tides may be caught off guard.”
Rip currents can be stronger in places during a spring tide, it said.
“We are appealing to coastal bathers and shoreline anglers to be cautious. Bathers should only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and swim in between the safe swimming areas lifeguards post using red and yellow flags.”
Bathers and mountain hikers warned about heavy winds, full moon spring tide
Image: 123RF/Paul Fleet
This weekend’s full moon spring tide could be hazardous for bathers and shoreline anglers, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has warned.
The NSRI said the tide is set to cause a higher than normal “high tide and lower than normal low tide” that will “gradually retreat over the next few days”.
“The peak of the full moon spring tide is today [January 6], a full moon micromoon,” the NSRI said
“Caution is advised for today, over the weekend and for the first few days of next week. The concern is that coastal bathers and shoreline anglers who are not aware of the full moon and new moon spring tides may be caught off guard.”
Rip currents can be stronger in places during a spring tide, it said.
“We are appealing to coastal bathers and shoreline anglers to be cautious. Bathers should only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and swim in between the safe swimming areas lifeguards post using red and yellow flags.”
Divers searching for a man who went missing at Strand beach on Wednesday
Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) appealed to mountain hikers to exercise caution.
“The mountains of greater Cape Town are expected to be buffeted by southeasterly winds of 30 knots-plus today and tonight [Friday]. This as the first full moon of the year rises tonight,” WSAR said.
“Often referred to as the ‘Cape Doctor’, the southeasterly wind blows on the South African coast mainly from spring to late summer. Although praised by locals for blowing away pollution and pestilence, hiking in strong wind can be risky and mountain users are encouraged to take extra precautions.”
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
WATCH | Seal pup attacks swimmers at Clifton Beach in Cape Town
Six hikers rescued from Table Mountain Park as mercury soars
Bather saved from drowning at unprotected KZN beach
Search for 9-year-old boy as three girls drown at Eastern Cape beach
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos