Bathers and boaters are urged to remain on land today as waves in excess of 5m are expected along the KZN coast from Port Edward to Kosi Bay.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning this morning, which is in place from 01:00 today until 23:00 tonight.

The warning for damaging waves comes as a surface low is situated to the south-east of the country with high ridging behind it, and high seas are expected to disrupt beachfront and port activities.

“As a result, waves along the KZN coast are expected to reach 5m to 6.5m, subsiding overnight,” reads the statement issued by SAWS.

“Avoid beachfront activities like swimming, or shore or rock angling, and small vessels should avoid going out to sea if possible.”

The SAWS went on to say impacts could include the following:

• Localised disruptions of harbour/port activities
• Difficulty in navigation for small vessels
• Small vessels may be at risk of taking on water or capsizing
• Localised damage to coastal infrastructure
• Localised damage or extensive modification of beaches