Lifesaving South Africa has urged beachgoers to exercise heightened caution as a heatwave coincides with rising tidal activity along parts of the country’s coastline, increasing the risk to swimmers.
The organisation says the combination of hot weather, which typically draws larger crowds to beaches, and stronger ocean conditions could create potentially dangerous situations in the water.
Lifesaving SA spokesperson Dhaya Sewduth has advised the public to swim only at beaches and facilities where lifeguards are on duty.
He explained that the appearance of the new moon on Sunday evening is expected to trigger spring tides during the first week of February, resulting in intensified ocean activity, particularly at exposed beaches.
“Spring tides typically result in lower-than-normal low tides and higher-than-normal high tides. Low tides may produce stronger seaward pull, while high tides can lead to powerful and unpredictable wave conditions,” Sewduth said.
He added that rip currents — which can form anywhere and at any time along the coastline — may further increase the danger to swimmers.
Authorities are encouraging visitors to follow safety signage, heed lifeguard instructions and avoid swimming alone as a precaution during the period of heightened tidal activity.