The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a safety alert to beachgoers to be cautious of the current full moon spring tides, which result in higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides.
In a statement, the NSRI explained that there are two high tides and two low tides daily and times are slightly later on each following day.
“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. The NSRI is appealing to the public to be cautious around the coastline.”
The statement added that although summer weather conditions appear to prevail, winter seas are building and this is causing the coastline to experience some rough seas at times.
“Bathers, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers, and recreational and commercial boaters are urged to have safety top of mind. We are also appealing to parents to ensure that children have responsible adult supervision in and around water- at coastal waters, inland waters, swimming pools and any body of water.”
The NSRI said that the spring tide effect on the coastline will gradually recede into the middle of this week, so this weekend and the early part of the new week, everyone should be extremely cautious.
The statement also touched on two separate incidents last weekend where two boats capsized during a fishing derby at Noordhoek Ski Club.
On Sunday, April 30, a boat carrying four crewmen capsized while exiting the club. All of them were able to climb onto the upturned hull of the ski boat in the channel after being capsized by a wave.
“It appears that the kill switch may have disconnected when they were thrown across the boat deck, but whilst attempting to restart the motors, a wave breached, causing the boat to capsize,” the NSRI said.It appears that kill switch may have disconnected when they were thrown across the boat deck but while attempting to restart the motors, a wave caused the boat to capsize.
Launching their rescue crafts, the NSRI managed to transfer all four onto a fellow fishing ski boat and they were taken to shore without incident. Only one man sustained minor cuts and bruises, but all were safe and sound.
The second incident occurred the next day when a boat with three men on board capsized whilst returning from sea. All three men were able to swim ashore without assistance and were not injured.
Local surfers also intervened to help the three men out of the water.
“We urge all seafarers to exercise caution while out at sea, to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers. The NSRI is always on standby to provide assistance in emergency situations, and we encourage everyone to make use of our services whenever needed. Stay safe on the water, said Kevin Warren, NSRI Gqeberha duty coxswain.
