Supermoon spring tide warning

Beachgoers have been warned to be extra cautious over the next week due to the rare combination of a supermoon and spring tide.

KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu told The Courier that they are monitoring the tides and will close beaches as it is necessary.

Clark Bay, Ballito was closed today due to a dangerous rip current.

“We urge the community to please listen to the instructions of the lifeguards,” said Xulu.

“Beaches flying the red flag are closed to swimmers for their own safety.”

Spring tide happens twice every month, at full moon and at new moon, and lasts for a few days over each full moon and each new moon, peaking on the day of the full moon and the new moon.

The twice monthly spring tides bring higher tides and stronger rip currents.

This supermoon spring tide will have a greater affect on the tides because the full moon this month will be closer to earth than normal.

Tonight’s full moon – also called a supermoon – is predicted to be not only the biggest, closest and brightest super moon of the year, but the closest super moon since January 26, 1948.

A supermoon is a full or new moon that occurs when the moon is less than 360,000 kilometres from the centre of Earth.

The moon won’t come this close to Earth again until November 25, 2034.

“We expect higher than normal tides and stronger than usual rip currents for all of this week,” said Xulu.

Competition!

If you are planning to view the Supermoon on 14 November, remember to send us your pics (in high res) to news@northcoastcourier.co.za. The best photo will be published in the North Coast Courier.

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