People planning coastal activities on Thursday are being advised to check local tide times before making their plans.
Changing water levels can affect swimmers, surfers, anglers, boat users and anyone spending time near rocks, reefs or other parts of the shoreline.
Spring Tide Set to Arrive This Weekend
The coast is approaching a spring tide, with the next one expected to coincide with the new moon on Saturday, 10 October.
Spring tides occur around the new and full moons and produce a greater difference than usual between high and low water levels. This means higher high tides and lower low tides can be expected.
Rising Water Can Hide Coastal Hazards
The changing tide can alter conditions considerably along the shoreline.
Rocks and reefs that are clearly visible when the tide is low may become submerged as the water rises. This can create additional hazards for people exploring beaches or entering the water.
Conditions can also vary significantly from one beach to another depending on the seabed, wind, waves and swell.
Wind and Swell Also Matter
Tide times should not be considered in isolation when assessing coastal conditions.
Strong winds, large waves and significant swell can all influence the safety of activities at sea and along the shoreline. A favourable tide does not necessarily mean conditions will be suitable for swimming, surfing or boating.
Beachgoers should therefore consider the wider marine forecast before setting out.
Friday’s Tide Conditions Also Worth Watching
People planning to visit the coast on Friday should also check the expected high and low tide times for their particular location.
Knowing when the water is expected to rise and fall can help visitors plan activities and avoid being caught by changing conditions.
Check Weather and Marine Warnings
The South African Weather Service provides tide information as well as weather and marine warnings that can help coastal visitors make informed decisions.
Checking the latest forecasts before travelling is particularly important when planning activities close to the water.
Coastal Conditions Can Change Quickly
Tides are predictable, but the conditions experienced at a particular beach can be affected by several factors at once.
The combination of tide, wind, waves and swell can change the character of the coastline throughout the day. Visitors should remain alert to changing conditions and avoid relying solely on the tide timetable.
Plan Around the Water, Not Just the Clock
With a spring tide approaching, checking tide times should form part of the preparation for anyone heading to South Africa‘s coast.
Knowing when high and low tides occur, while also checking the latest weather and marine warnings, can help beachgoers, anglers, surfers and boat users better plan their time around the changing coastal environment.
