Posted on Leave a comment

Duty to Warn: The ANC’s Polluted Waterways and the Impact on Tourism

Duty to Warn 31 December 2024

Duty to Warn: The ANC’s Polluted Waterways and the Impact on Tourism

Duty to Warn: The ANC’s Polluted Waterways and the Impact on Tourism: The concept of “Duty to Warn” in South African law mandates that individuals or entities must inform others of potential hazards to prevent harm. This principle can be aptly applied to the current state of South Africa’s water systems under the ANC’s governance. Over the years, the ANC has systematically neglected the country’s water infrastructure, turning South Africa into a vast, polluted toilet. This negligence has led to severe contamination of rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean, posing significant health risks to locals and tourists.

Recent reports highlight the alarming levels of E. coli in South Africa’s waterways, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The Umgeni River, for instance, has become a breeding ground for this harmful bacteria due to untreated sewage spills. The situation has deteriorated to the point where several beaches in Durban have been closed, and tourists are falling ill after exposure to contaminated water2. The presence of E. coli indicates not only fecal contamination but also the potential presence of other dangerous pathogens.

The ANC’s failure to maintain and upgrade sewage treatment facilities has exacerbated this crisis. Untreated sewage flows into rivers and oceans, leading to eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algae blooms. This not only devastates aquatic ecosystems but also poses a direct threat to human health. Tourists, unaware of the dangers, continue to swim in these polluted waters, resulting in gastrointestinal illnesses and other health issues (See below results sheet from ANC victims at Uvongo, KZN, recently).

The Duty to Warn principle obligates the government and relevant authorities to inform the public about these hazards. However, the ANC’s lack of transparency and accountability has left many in the dark. Local municipalities, tourism boards, and environmental organizations must step up and provide clear warnings to both residents and visitors. By doing so, they can prevent further harm and hold the ANC accountable for its gross mismanagement of South Africa’s precious water resources.

In conclusion, the ANC’s neglect has turned South Africa’s waterways into a public health hazard. Adapting the Duty to Warn concept to this situation underscores the urgent need for transparency and action to protect both the environment and public health. Tourists and locals alike deserve to be informed about the risks they face, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure this information is disseminated effectively.

The following sickening molecular biology results sheet is bona fide and from this year as you can see the date top right corner…from swimming at Uvongo.

And so a major problem is the misconception that the KZN South Coast that is the polluted area. Meanwhile, it’s the very same poo that washes down from cities, towns and provinces inland. The entire country empties its sewage into the sea ultimately. Every river town has another town further upriver. They ALL have been subject to the ANC’s inability to honour a contract.

ALL that sewage is coming to a beach near you.

This is Harding…

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts

Share
Posted on 1 Comment

NSRI Advisory: New Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions:

NSRI Swim Safe: New Moon Tides Warning

NSRI Advisory: New Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions:

NSRI Advisory: New Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urges coastal communities and visitors to exercise caution during the upcoming new moon spring tide, which will peak on 31 December 2024, as it significantly impacts tidal conditions. This natural phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align during the new moon phase, amplifying the gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans.
What to Expect During a New Moon Spring Tide

  1. Higher High Tides: Water levels will rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline.
  2. Lower Low Tides: More of the seabed will be exposed as water levels dip below average.
  3. Increased Tidal Range: The difference between high and low tide levels will be at its maximum.
    Impacts and Hazards of a New Moon Spring Tide:
    Spring tides often result in stronger tidal currents, particularly in narrow inlets.
    This natural phenomenon can present potential dangers:
    • Rip Currents: Stronger tidal flows intensify rip currents, posing a risk to swimmers.
    • Coastal Hiking Hazards: Some hiking trails near the coast may become inaccessible or hazardous during high tide.
    • Fishing Precautions: Shoreline anglers should exercise extra caution, as higher waves may reach beyond usual safe zones.
    Safety Measures to Follow:
    To ensure your safety while enjoying coastal activities, the NSRI recommends the following precautions:
    Beach and Swimming Safety
    • Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches: To avoid rip currents, swim between lifeguard flags.
    • Be aware of rip currents: Rip currents are particularly strong during spring tides, especially during outgoing tides.
    • Stay informed: Check daily weather forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and consult tide timetables.
    Coastal Activities
    • Hiking: Plan your hikes carefully, avoiding trails that may be cut off during high tide.
    • Fishing: Shoreline anglers should maintain a safe distance from the water. When fishing from rocks or cliffs, they should wear a life jacket and carry flotation equipment (for example, a 2L cool-drink container with a rope attached) that can be thrown to someone in the water.
    • Boating and paddling: Always wear life jackets, carry essential safety equipment, and keep your cell phone fully charged in a waterproof pouch. The free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app allows you to log your trip and call the NSRI for help quickly and easily.
    General Water Safety
    • Alcohol and water do not mix: Drinking alcohol before doing an activity in or near water may put your life at risk.
    • Supervise children: Ensure children have responsible adult supervision in and near the water.
    • Inland water caution: Be cautious around rivers, lakes, and dams, especially during heavy rainfall.
    • Weather awareness: Monitor adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and fast-flowing rivers.
    Additional Precautions
    • Time your activities: Be cautious during tide changes, especially when high tide recedes to low tide for beach visitors and on the incoming tide for rock anglers.
    • Stay informed: Follow local safety alerts and warnings issued by authorities.
    • Save the emergency number 112 on your cell phone.
    Tidal Information for Cape Town:
    January 1, 2025
    • High Tide: 04:11 AM (1.73 m)
    • Low Tide: 10:14 AM (0.49 m)
    • High Tide: 04:17 PM (1.71 m)
    • Low Tide: 10:29 PM (0.36 m)
    Tidal information for Durban:
    January 1, 2025:
    • High Tide: 4:39 AM (1.88 meters)
    • Low Tide: 10:42 AM (0.40 meters)
    • High Tide: 4:47 PM (1.90 meters)
    • Low Tide: 11:01 PM (0.26 meters)
    Tidal information for Port Nolloth:
    January 1, 2025:
    • High Tide: 4:07 AM (1.77 meters)
    • Low Tide: 10:07 AM (0.40 meters)
    • High Tide: 4:16 PM (1.77 meters)
    • Low Tide: 10:26 PM (0.30 meters)

Enjoy Coastal Activities Responsibly:
The effects of spring tides can last several days. By adhering to these safety measures, you can minimise risks and enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean responsibly. The NSRI remains committed to safeguarding lives and promoting awareness of coastal hazards.
For further updates and emergency assistance, please visit our website www.nsri.org.za
Stay safe, stay informed, and respect the power of nature.
Issued by:
For interviews or information, please get in touch with NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram at andrewi@searescue.org.za or on 082 990 5977

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts

Share
Posted on Leave a comment

Swim Safe: NSRI Top Ten Safety Tips for this December

NSRI Swim Safe

Swim Safe: NSRI Top Ten Safety Tips for this December: the extraordinarily pro-active NSRI saves lives every single day.

Swim Safe: NSRI Top Ten Safety Tips for this December – The Sardine News and the NSRI are working together we are assisting get these wonderfully considerate communications about being safe in the water.

THE NSRI’S TOP 10 SWIM SAFE TIPS:

  1. Alcohol and swimming or boating.
    Avoid Alcohol and Swimming or boating.
    Swimming or boating after consuming Alcohol puts your life at significant risk.
    When consuming alcohol and supervising children near water, your attention is compromised.
    We do not drink and drive; the same dangers apply to going into water and alcohol.
  2. Supervision of children
    Drowning is silent.
    Parents and caregivers should watch their children in or near water. If they are having difficulty, there will be no splashing or call for help.
    When in the water, an adult should be within arm’s reach of their child.
    It is safest to go into the water and to swim in areas that lifeguards patrol.
    A drowning can occur when you are distracted by social media on your mobile phone or decide to take a call. Be alert.
  3. Dangerous Currents and lifeguarded beaches.
    Going into the water or swimming between lifeguard flags is safest.
    Most people need help to identify dangerous currents or rip currents at beaches. Lifeguards can keep you safe between their flags – so rather go into the water there.
    If you get caught in a current, do not panic; float and swim to the side (out of the current) before trying to swim back to the beach.
    If you see someone who needs help, call a lifeguard or call the NSRI.
    Try throwing something that floats to them.
    You should only go into the water to try to help someone with floatation. A Pink Rescue Buoy or surfboard is a good example of floatation.
  4. Know your emergency numbers
    112 is the general emergency number in South Africa and a free call. If you dial 112, you can ask to be put through to the Police, Ambulance, Fire and Rescue or NSRI/Sea Rescue.
    087 094 9774 is the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Emergency Operations Centre direct line. Any NSRI resource in the country can be activated from this centre.
    Please think about what emergency numbers you may need and save your local emergency numbers in your phone before you need them.
    If you suddenly need an emergency number you have not saved – Google it. (For example, if you Google NSRI or Sea Rescue, you will quickly find the emergency number).
  5. Wear a lifejacket
    NSRI volunteers always wear lifejackets on the water in their rescue boats, as should you. If the NSRI crew can work on their boats and conduct rescue missions wearing lifejackets, you can also get used to wearing them.
    If you unexpectedly land in the water and become too tired or cold, you may no longer be able to stay afloat. A lifejacket will save your life.
    Choose a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket that suits your activity on the water. Ask experts for advice online or in a store.
  6. NSRI SafeTRX
    The RSA SafeTRX App monitors a small craft journey and alerts emergency contacts nominated by the user (family and friends) should they fail to return to shore on time. This free cell phone application enables the user to plot their intended course, store essential emergency numbers that NSRI can use if they fail to return from their trip, give NSRI their location at all times during their trip, provide the user with the ability to call an emergency by the push of a button and giving NSRI your exact position throughout our rescue response if you press the emergency button. It only works where there is a cell phone signal.
    Features include an Emergency Call button, which allows you to make a distress call quickly from the application. The app sends an emergency location update to the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre and your emergency contacts if you have a cell phone connection. Track-only mode can be used to begin tracking at a touch of a button.
  7. Heavy rainfall and flooding (Summer rainfall areas).
    Do not attempt to cross a fast-flowing river on foot or in a car.
    If you need to cross a river in a vehicle that is not flowing fast, walk through using a stick for support and check the depth before driving into the water.
    Fast-flowing rivers are extremely dangerous. Do not attempt to rescue a person trapped in a vehicle or who is being swept away. Call for help.
  8. Learn Survival Swimming
    If you suddenly find yourself out of your depth and can float, you can return to safety.
    NSRI Survival Swimming teaches you to hold your breath, open your eyes in the water (to orient yourself so you know which way to swim), float, and move a short distance through the water.
  9. Learn bystander CPR
    If a person is not breathing, call for help.
    Push hard and fast in the centre of their chest )100 – 120 chest compressions per minute)
    Keep going until professional help arrives, or you are too tired to continue.
  10. When using a boat with an engine, always use a kill switch.
    A Kill switch is a special cord connecting a switch on the throttles to the person driving the boat.
    If that person falls and loses control of a boat, the kill switch is pulled, and the engine stops.
    Never move away from the throttles or remove the kill switch when the engine is in gear.

Swim Safe!

For interviews or information, please get in touch with NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram at andrewi@searescue.org.za or on 082 990 5977

Yesterdays Sardine News features the new installation of a Pink Torpedo Buoy at The Block in Port Shepstone. A notoriously unsafe place to swim…amongst other stories…

Swim safe with the NSRI and The Sardine News…

  • Sail Boat rescued at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay

    Sail Boat rescued at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay

    Sail Boat rescued at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay Sail Boat rescued at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay: that Dikeledi whipped up some serious east winds for us to contend with. Here in KZN it shoved moisture-rich air onto the land, fully charged from the cyclone, dumping buckets of rain about the place. Down in…

  • The KOB News including Sardines, Shad, Cyclones and Brown Water

    The KOB News including Sardines, Shad, Cyclones and Brown Water

    The KOB News including Sardines, Shad, Cyclones and Brown Water The KOB News including Sardines, Shad, Cyclones and Brown Water: starting with the Kob News… The KOB News Nick and Dylan Kempen have been lurking in all the right SKZN car parks this January it seems… Yes these are all handsome little koblets here. All…

  • Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions

    Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions

    Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions For Immediate Release10 January 2025NSRI Advisory: Full Moon Spring Tides and Coastal Safety Precautions:The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urges holidaymakers and visitors to the coast to exercise caution during the final days of the school holidays, as the upcoming full moon spring tide is set to…

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts

Share
Posted on Leave a comment

Mozambique: Summary of Venâncio Mondlane December 16th Communication

Animal Farm African Version by Mondlane

Mozambique: Summary of Venâncio Mondlane December 16th Communication

Mozambique: Summary of Venâncio Mondlane December 16th Communication

Well, at the least this revolutionary can write. Or it seems. Or was this list hashed up around a big table with loud voices and zero consideration for the important things in life? Like Xmas and New Year? Fuel and water? Peace and harmony? A functioning country?

For it won’t be long before the whole country implodes into reckless violence if Mondlane and Chapo carry on like the idiots that they are right now. I know one of them personally and can tell you right now, he is an absolute moron. Powers of deduction lead me to believe the same about the other.

My newest favourite quote…

“What good has any revolutionary ever achieved?” – A Wise Woman

Revolutionary achievements? Che Guevara? He was simply killed by the CIA and achieved absolutely nothing except made it onto many t-shirts later on in life. Mandela? Well, look at his legacy. Machel? Well…look at ’em go!

All any revolutionary wants is what the others have. And so they revolt. Their revolting behaviour (if bloody enough) puts them in the pound seat. And new revolutionaries pop up wanting that same seat. And so they start acting revolting too (terrorism, strikes and protests) and the cycle continues.

The Announcement

Over to Idiot Number One…or Two, I can’t quite work it out…but his name is Mondlane…and this is what he managed to scribble together yesterday…

  1. Given the damage caused in Cabo Delgado by cyclone Chido, this week will be a week of solidarity and therefore there will be no drastic measures
  2. This week will be a week of mourning and will last 4 days, from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday is the 19th and will mark 2 months since the deaths of Elvino Dias and Paulo Gwambe and therefore this week will also be a week of celebration of the heroes of modern Mozambican democracy.
  3. During these 4 days, all activities must take place normally, without demonstrations, but people must dress in black, if that is their mourning tradition, or in white if that is their tradition. And from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm daily, there must be a break to sing the national anthem and pray.
  4. From Friday to Sunday, prayers for justice in Mozambique must be held in mosques/churches/temples
  5. On Sunday, December 22nd, the day before the results will be announced by the Constitutional Council, there must be vuvuzelas and whistles from 9pm to 10pm.
    6.On Monday, December 23rd, all activity and movement must stop across the country to hear the reading of the Constitutional Council’s Judgment. However, the movement of health personnel, lawyers and patients must be allowed.
  6. The Turbo V8 period will be announced on December 23rd by the words the Chair of the Constitutional Council will choose to read. She will have to decide between the electoral truth and the electoral lie, which will determine whether the future will be one of peace or chaos. All responsibility for the country’s future will be in the hands of the 7 members of the Constitutional Council.
  7. Until January 15th, the day Venâncio Mondlane takes office as President of the Republic of Mozambique, the collection of all tolls, all logging and mining operations, and the collection of customs duties from informal cross-border female traders must be suspended.

(is that straight out of Orwell or what? – Sean)

And now Idiot Number Two – Chapo…

“I want to be the president for all Mozambicans, united from Rovuma to Maputo. Let us engage in dialogue, in conversation. It is not through street protests that Mozambique develops but through peace, dialogue, harmony, security, and conversation. We are open to any Mozambican who has an idea to contribute to our country” – Presidential Speech Writer for Daniel Chapo (Frelimo).

For I have met a presidential speech writer—a little creep from England. He was working for Zuma as his speechwriter at the time. And told me that Zuma had to practise over and over to get his speeches right. Our little creepy speech writer would have to simplify and simplify until Zuma got it easy enough to read out loud. Speech writer for a political party. How soul-less could you ever be in your life?

These people (Mondlane, Chapo, Zuma, Ramaphosa etc…) are not near the levels that normal governments operate at. They are a mentally retarded and even more sick version of the pigs in “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. And the sheeple, well all they can do is scream and shout (Toyi-toyi in South Africa) since their education is so low, due to total neglect of the educational system by the “pigs” in charge. So imagine Animal Farm, with guns and machetes issued at the entrance. But issued only to some. For some animals are just more equal than others.

And welcome to the African full-violence version of Animal Farm! 100 Dead by politics in Mozambique during this crisis so far already. And this number is sure to climb if those two morons can’t sit down and work this out democratically.

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts

Share
Posted on Leave a comment

Do not become a rip current casualty. Swim at lifeguarded beaches.

NSRI Warning Rip Current

Do not become a rip current casualty. Swim at lifeguarded beaches.

Do not become a rip current casualty. Swim at lifeguarded beaches: On average, 56 people drown because of rip currents in South Africa each year. Rips are the most significant danger visitors to our beaches face.

Our top tip for avoiding rips and staying safe as the holidays start this season is visiting a beach where and when lifeguards are on duty.

The NSRI Lifeguard season started on December 1st for the Knysna and George municipalities and began yesterday, December 13th, for Matzikama, Cederberg, Bergriver, Saldanha Bay, Club Mykonos, and Hessequa.

NSRI Lifeguard managers Rebecca Carter-Smith and Mthe Kweyama offer good advice on staying safe at the beach during the summer holidays.

“Alcohol and going into the water should be avoided at all costs,” says Mthe. “Swimming after consuming alcohol puts your life at significant risk,” he added. “Alcohol compromises your judgment, lessens your ability to cope with cold water, reduces your ability to stay afloat and reduces your ability to concentrate. If parents or caregivers are looking after children in or near water, drinking alcohol will reduce their ability to be able to help their children if the need arises.”

“Please don’t drink before going into the water,” adds Mthe.

“Supervision of children is critical,” agrees Rebecca. “Drowning is silent. There will not be any shouts for help or splashing. If someone is starting to drown, often they will quietly slip under the water without making any noise.” “Parents should take responsibility for their children and be at arm’s length from them when in the water,” she added.

Most people need help to correctly identify dangerous or rip currents at beaches. Lifeguards can keep you safe between their flags – so rather go into the water there.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shore, posing a significant danger to beachgoers. They typically form where waves break over sandbars or reefs, creating localised water movements that pull swimmers out to sea.

Rip currents can reach almost 3 meters per second, making them faster than an Olympic swimmer. They develop when waves push water towards the shore, raising the water level. This excess water then seeks to return to the ocean through the path of least resistance, often forming a current through gaps in sandbars or other underwater features.

Several visual cues identify rip currents: Darker water indicates deeper channels where waves do not break. Gaps between waves: Areas where fewer or no waves are breaking can signal a rip current. Choppy surface: A distinct channel of turbulent water surrounded by smoother areas.

Rip currents are the leading cause of rescues by lifeguards at beaches. They do not pull individuals under the water but can quickly drag them away from the beach. Panic often leads swimmers to swim against the current, which can result in exhaustion and drowning.

If caught in a rip current, it is crucial to remember to stay calm: Do not panic; conserve energy by floating. Swim out of the current: Instead of swimming directly back to land, swim sideways to escape the current’s grip. Signal for help: Raise your arm and shout for assistance if needed.

If you see someone who needs help in the water, call a lifeguard or the NSRI for help. (112 is a free call from your cell phone, or contact the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774).

Try to throw something that floats to the person who needs help. Remember that untrained people should only go into the water to help if they are strong swimmers and have flotation. An NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy or surfboard is a good example of floatation. Interestingly, since the Pink Buoy project started in late 2017, 130 people, in 100 instances, were rescued with a Pink Buoy because of rip currents.

The following Municipalities in the Western Cape have NSRI lifeguards:

Matzikama, Cederberg, Bergriver, Saldanha Bay, Club Mykonos, Hessequa, George and Knysna.

Media:

Video material and photographs of NSRI Lifeguards can be downloaded from the NSRI’s Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue/albums/72177720304674667/

A video on rip currents is available on NSRI’s YouTube channel https://youtu.be/9GBUBDMENfw?si=l-8mdp4fcUZchnaL

Photographs of rip currents and be downloaded from NSRI’s Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue/albums/72157719324524640/

For interviews or information, please get in touch with NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram at andrewi@searescue.org.za or on 082 990 5977

Sardines and Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 199,000 times and just keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado! And recently a capsized KZNSB boat! We have been updating the map with recent catches too…

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for a windy day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts

Share