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

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