A sponsored NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy stationed at a Jeffreys Bay beach with the permission of the Kouga Municipality – Photo: Supplied
A sponsored NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy stationed at a Jeffreys Bay beach with the permission of the Kouga Municipality – Photo: Supplied
If you’re looking to soak up the first few days of summer sunshine on the beach this week, then you’ll need to heed a warning issued by the South African Weather Service (Saws). It could end up saving a few lives.
Tidal ranges are increasing towards spring tide this week. That means that the water is coming further inland than usual, and will be dragged out away from the coast in the same fashion. Although it sounds relatively menial, these changing tides can cause some serious issues.
Saws share weather warning for the coast
Areas near the coastline are more susceptible to flooding in a week like this, as water advances further towards urban conurbations. Along with that, the tide itself will swell by almost one-metre in some places. Rocky outcrops and headlands have been highlighted as the areas in immediate danger, as Saws explain:
“Highest tidal ranges for this cycle will be experienced around the coastline on Thursday and Friday. Care should be taken on the days leading up to and following these periods, as high tides on the beach will be higher than average and low tides will be lower than average.”
“Caution is advised for areas which may be exposed to the lower-than-normal low tide but will flood when the tide rises. Furthermore, certain areas that are normally accessible may be flooded due to the higher-than-average high tide (e.g. rocky outcrops and headlands).”
Saws’ beach visit warning
Beach warning: High tides in South Africa for December 2019
We’ve put together a quick guide on how the coastline and beaches of South Africa will be affected. Thursday and Friday have been identified as the most problematic days. Here are the peak times – where the tide will reach its highest – and how big the swell is likely to get.
| Location of Beaches | Thursday 12th Dec | Friday 13th Dec |
| Cape Columbine | 15:42, 0.81 m | 16:22, 0.81 m |
| Cape Town | 15:22, 0.73 m | 16:02, 0.73 m |
| Mossel Bay | 16:16, 0.94 m | 16:54, 0.94 m |
| Port Elizabeth | 15:51, 0.83 m | 16:28, 0.83 m |
| East London | 15:49, 0.79 m | 16:26, 0.80 m |
| Durban | 15:51, 0.84 m | 16:27, 0.85 m |
| Richard’s Bay | 15:50, 0.88 m | 16:26, 0.89 m |
Saws have also reminded visitors to the coastline during the festive season to observe all normal precautions in respect of waves and rip currents. It is recommended that beachgoers swim only at life guarded beaches, within demarcated swimming areas. Stay safe out there, everybody.
