NSRI safety alert: Full moon spring tide

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The NSRI and emergency services are appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers, and coastal hikers to exercise caution around the coastline as the full moon Spring tide causes the daily high tides to be higher than normal and the daily low tides to be lower than normal.

This Spring tide peaks on Saturday, 22 June.

The effect of the Spring tide on the coast, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth – resulting in higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides – will already be noticeable around the coastline, increasing in intensity towards the full moon peak on Saturday, and then gradually declining in intensity towards the middle of next week.

Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline, especially during the outgoing tide.

With school vacations now in full swing, they are appealing to coastal water users to be cautious during this full moon Spring tide phase and to be aware of the impact it has around the coast.

Be mindful of coastal hiking trails that can be cut off during high tide.

Rough seas, brought on by 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 when bathing, boating, and paddling on rivers, lakes, and dams where heavy rainfall is forecast.

Follow the SA Weather Service (SAWS) daily forecasts, and around the coast, consult daily tide timetables.

Be aware of adverse weather, strong winds, fast-flowing rivers, sea currents, and drifts.

Boaters, paddlers, and sailors, we appeal to you to wear life jackets when your craft is underway, carry safety equipment, and download and use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app.

The NSRI appeals to parents to ensure their children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.

The NSRI appeals to everyone to be safety-conscious during the remainder of the school vacation. Let’s keep each other safe.

Today’s Winter Solstice – 20 June , the longest night of the year:

Brave the cold to support the NSRI this winter solstice!

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) invites you to brave the cold and take a splash for a cause by participating in a winter solstice plunge to raise essential funds.

NSRI crews around the country, today and tomorrow, will take the plunge and splash for a cause by participating in a winter solstice plunge to raise essential funds.

NSRI volunteers are on duty year-round, ready to dive into action at a moment's notice—even on the coldest day of the year. As the winter solstice approaches, marking the longest night of the year on June 20th, the NSRI encourages you to embrace the chill and celebrate the return of longer days with an invigorating plunge.

Join thousands across the Southern Hemisphere in this tradition by taking a plunge in the sea, a tidal pool, a swimming pool, your local dam, or even by participating in an ice bucket challenge. Not only is this a test of endurance and bravery, but it may also offer health benefits such as boosting your immune system, improving circulation, and reducing stress!

Safety First:

Never swim alone.
Do not swim in rough seas.
Always have a flotation device with you.
Know who to call in an emergency.

The NSRI has a proud legacy of cold-water swims, with volunteers like Station 23, Wilderness’s Jané Botha, who raised R47,500 last year, and a team of NSRI volunteers from various rescue bases who swam the Robben Island Crossing in 2023, raising more than R40,000.

This year, we challenge you to organize a winter solstice plunge on or around June 20th or 21st. No matter how small, every contribution helps the NSRI continue to teach water safety, survival swimming, conduct rescue operations, and save lives.

Get Involved:

Set a Date: Choose a date and time for your plunge.
Create a Campaign: Visit GivenGain, search for the NSRI charity page or click here. Select “Start Fundraising,” and follow the easy steps.
Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate or donate.

For more information on organising your Solstice Plunge and the tax breaks you’ll get from your donation, visit the NSRI’s Community Fundraising page or contact Renee at 021 434 4011 or renee@searescue.org.za.

To find your nearest NSRI station, visit the NSRI Base Finder on our website and see how you can support them.