THE National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has warned beachgoers to be wary of rip currents, particularly the full moon and new moon spring tides that cause stronger than normal rip currents around the coast.

According to the NSRI the new moon occurrs on Thursday, 29 December.

“Spring tides happen twice every month, at full moon and at new moon, and bring higher than normal high tides, lower than normal low tides and stronger than normal rip currents around the coastline. There are two high tides and two low tides every day,” said NRSI spokesman Craig Lambinon said.

“It will be visibly noticeable to bathers that rip-currents are at their strongest intensity today, Wednesday, 28 December, tomorrow, Thursday, 29 December, Friday, 30 December and lasting up until Monday, 2 January.

He added the NSRI were urging bathers, paddlers and anglers to be aware of this years end of the year “New Moon Spring Tide” happening at a time when most families will be visiting the beach (coastline) and extreme caution around the coast is advised.