The NSRI are appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, anglers and coastal hikers to be cautious around the coastline as the full moon spring tide increases toward the peak on Wednesday, December 27. During this full moon spring tide, which will last into the new year, it may contribute to stronger than normal rip currents around the coastline. Picture: UNSPLASH FREE DOWNLOADS

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging people visiting the beaches to be cautious as the spring tides will result in stronger rip tides, putting lives in danger.

The NSRI said public beaches and along the coastline will experience the two daily high tides which will noticeably be higher than normal, peaking on Wednesday, December 27. There will be two daily low tides, which will noticeably be lower than normal and stronger than normal rip currents will occur at places around the coastline.

NSRI spokesman, Craig Lambinon, urged that people swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. Inland water users are also encouraged to be cautious, although they are usually not affected by spring tide on inland waters.

The increase in water-related emergencies is of concern and the NSRI is appealing to everyone in and around coastal and inland waterways to keep safe, said Mr Lambinon.

“The NSRI pink rescue buoys stationed around South Africa on coastal and inland waters are proving beyond any doubt their value to aid bathers who get into difficulty,” said Mr Lambinon. “NSRI pink rescue buoys are now responsible for contributing to 176 lives saved around the coastline after four incidents that happened in the past two days – at Jeffreys Bay, Mossel Bay and Kleinmond. Also, a further seven bather's lives were saved in bystander good Samaritan rescues with the aid of the NSRI pink rescue buoys.”

All water rescues have been successful, and no harm has come to any of the rescuers who have used an NSRI pink rescue buoy to help someone in distress and in danger of drowning, added Mr Lambinon.

Doreen Premdev

NSRI warns beachgoers to be careful as rip tides are higher than usual