Rip current warning for Easter weekend
Swim between the beacons and listen to the lifeguards.
The full moon will peak on Saturday, March 4, causing very strong rip currents all along the South African coastline over the Easter weekend.
This includes the Dolphin Coast, which is known for its particularly strong rip currents, dangerous shore breaks and plentiful rocks.
With a recent spate in drownings and near-drowning incidents on the North Coast, bathers are cautioned to take extra care this weekend.
“Only swim at manned lifeguarded beaches, stay between the beacons, listen to the lifeguards and wear bright clothes,” said IPSS Medical Rescue’s Paul Herbst.
Speaking to the Courier on beach safety KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor, Bongani Xulu said that wherever there are rocks there is always a rip current and that bathers should read the information on the day’s conditions that appear on every beach’s tide board every day before entering the water.
The most recent drowning occurred when a 16-year-old girl was swept from Umdloti Beach shore by a rip current on Saturday, March 28.
The Durban National Sea Rescue Institute managed to rescue the teenage girl from the water but was unable to resuscitate her.
Would you like to know how rip currents work and what to do when you get caught in one? Read this helpful article.
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