The SA Weather Service has extended it’s level 1 weather warning for the Western Cape. Image: Pixabay
Western Cape weather warning EXTENDED
The SA Weather Service has EXTENDED it’s yellow level 1 weather warning for damaging waves in the Western Cape into TOMORROW morning
The SA Weather Service has extended it’s level 1 weather warning for the Western Cape. Image: Pixabay
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has extended it’s yellow level 1 weather warning for damaging waves in the Western Cape to tomorrow, 30 April.
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Warning for strong waves
Heavy south westerly swells of 4 to 5 meters are expected along the coast between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay from Saturday morning into Sunday morning at approximately 10:00.
These conditions will result in disruptions to beachfront activities, such as people potentially being swept off rocks.
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Coastal users and anglers on low-lying rocks are at risk of being caught off guard by high-energy waves and swept off to sea.
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SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS AT SEA
Respect the sea, the currents, and the need for caution. Here are some tips to keep in mind before entering the sea:
- Take time to watch the waves and avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents, or a danger of being washed onto rocks.
- Check the weather and tides before leaving home. If the seas are too rough, you could get swept away.
- Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
- If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea or remain well within your depth.
- It is better to swim when the tide is rising as the sea will tend to wash you ashore, and the backwash and rip currents are not so strong.
- Check with the lifeguard on surf conditions before swimming.
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- If lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the stand, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags:
- Red flag means it’s dangerous to swim.
- Red and yellow flag means lifeguards are on patrol, and you should swim in the area between flags.
- Be considerate of other swimmers, especially when surfing.
- Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgment, unnecessary risks are taken, and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.
- Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of getting cramps.
- Don’t dive into shallow sea – there are many paraplegics who broke their necks diving into shallow pools.
