High swells batter Alkantstrand

Weather service issues level 1 warning for damaging waves along KwaZulu-Natal coastline

April 30, 2026

Dave Savides 1 minute read

Waves breaking over the south pier PHOTO: Erwin Kruger

Following earlier warnings of damaging waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, high swells were experienced in Alkantstrand on Wednesday afternoon.

The level 1 warning for damaging waves was issued by the SA Weather Service (SAWS) and is in place until this (Thursday) evening.

Bathers, anglers and sailors have been urged to exercise extreme caution or pause any beachfront activities until the conditions subside.

Waves near the dolphin platform at Alkantstrand PHOTO: Erwin Kruger

The weather service said the damaging waves will lead to difficulty in navigation and cause disruption in small harbours as well as ports for a short period.

“Small vessels are at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality, with localised damage to coastal infrastructure expected,” the SAWS stated.

The conditions will continue along the coastline between Richards Bay and Kosi Bay today (Thursday).

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