The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, fishermen, and coastal hikers to exercise caution as the full moon spring tide rises.

It said in a press statement that the full moon Spring tide occurs at the peak of the Spring tide, which began yesterday and will continue into the new year and might lead to stronger-than-usual rip currents along the coast.

Public beaches along the coastline will experience the two daily high tides, which will noticeably be higher than normal and the two daily low tides which will noticeably be lower than normal and stronger than normal rip currents will occur at places around the coastline.

The institute advised swimmers to use beaches protected by lifeguards during this period.

Although inland water users are not affected by spring tide, the increase in water related emergencies is of concern.

“For this reason we are appealing to everyone in and around coastal and inland waterways to have safety on top of their mind,” read the statement.

The NSRI have stationed pink rescue buoys across South Africa on coastal and interior waters which have already been demonstrating their worth in assisting bathers in difficulties.

This was after four incidents over the past two days (at Jeffreys Bay, Mossel Bay, and Kleinmond ) saw a further seven bathers’ lives saved by good Samaritan rescues with the aid of the NSRI pink rescue buoys.

According to the statement, the NSRI pink rescue buoys are now responsible for contributing to 176 lives saved around the coastline.

“All water rescues have been successful and no harm has come to any of the rescuers who have used a NSRI pink rescue buoy to help someone in distress and in danger of drowning,” said the institute.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of Lifesaving KZN, Troye Brown, said there have been no drowning incidents recorded at patrolled beaches, during patrol hours so far this season.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said lifeguards have been deployed to ensure an incident free and enjoyable bathing experience.

Our lifeguards, pool attendants and law enforcement authorities are hard at work to ensure safety and well-being of beachgoers during this period.

She said the public is urged to work together with lifeguards and law enforcement authorities to ensure visitors and residents enjoy safe and memorable holidays.