NSRI, police and the 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 – causing the daily two high tides to be higher than normal and the daily two low tides to be lower than normal.
This full moon Spring tide peaks, with the full moon, on Thursday, 17 October.
Gravitational effect
The affect that Spring tide has on the coast, caused by the gravitational effect that the moon has on the earth – causing 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.
Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline – especially during the outgoing tide, NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.
Th NSRI is appealing to coastal water users to be cautious during this full moon Spring tide phase and the affect that Spring tide has on the coastal shoreline.
Be aware of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during the high tide.
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 bathing, boating and paddling on rivers, lakes and dams.
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, 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 in and around water.
Are you ever surprised by the risks South Africans take in and on the water?
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