The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a spring tide warning ahead of the full moon on Thursday, advising people to take special care everywhere along the South African coast.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said on Wednesday that tides would be higher and lower than normal in the days leading up to the full moon, and on the day itself, when the spring tide occurred.
Swells would also be stronger than usual, and deep-sea fishermen and seafarers, sailers, paddlers, surfers, bathers, anglers and recreational boaters should take special precautions.
Bathers should beware of wading too deep into the surf at low tide and getting in over their heads where the sand bank dropped off into deeper water.
They should also avoid swimming when the high tide turned, as this was when the strongest currents and rip currents occurred.
The entire coastline will be affected by the spring tide.
The areas with the strongest currents were river mouths, beaches with adjoining islands, rocky outcrops or reefs, and land or rocks cut off from the mainland during high tide. – Sapa