Residents to practice safety at beaches this summer

With warmer days on our doorsteps, residents are urged to take extra care of themselves as temperatures continue to soar.

A heatwave advisory has been forecast by the South African Weather Service starting from Tuesday to 22h00 on Wednesday. The weather service has predicted temperatures exceeding 30 degrees celcius up to 40 degrees celsius.

This will particularly be affecting the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Beachgoers should also be mindful that these high temperatures are coinciding with the new moon Spring tide that peaked on Monday 13th November. The spring tide will be affecting the entire coastline towards the coming weekend.

In a statement, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urged public members and the maritime community to follow the weather advisory for updates and changes.

“NSRI are appealing to coastal and inland bathers, boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and surfers who intend to cool off in coastal waters to be cautious and to adopt a safety first mindset.”

NSRI safety tips when visiting beaches

Do not venture too deep into the water and be aware of strong rip currents.
Children should be protected by a responsible adult watching over children when they are in, around or near water.
Stay hydrated, wear a hat, wear sunscreen and seek shade.
Only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and
obey the lifeguard’s instructions to swim in between the safer demarcated swimming areas.

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department says it expects an increase of visitors to beaches and other public recreational facilities, amid the heat advisory.

“While we welcome visitors with open arms, it is absolutely critical that everyone pays close attention to their personal safety.”

Residents are asked to adhere to the designated and supervised swimming areas this summer.

Lifeguards are active at the following beaches:

Big Bay, Bikini Beach, Blue Waters, Camps Bay, Clifton 4th Beach, Danger Beach, Fish Hoek, Gordon’s Bay, Harmony Park, Hout Bay, Llandudno, Macassar, Maiden’s Cove, Melkbosstrand, Milnerton Main Beach, Mnandi, Monwabisi, Muizenberg, Silwerstroom (weekends only), St. James Tidal Pool, Strand and Strandfontein.

Bathing areas with active lifeguards are deployed between 10:00 and 18:00 this summer.