The National Sea Rescue Institute, Police and emergency services have appealed to all bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers to be cautious around the coast as the full moon Spring tide approaches.

This full moon Spring tide will peak on Thursday, 17 October, and brings with it two higher-than-normal high tides, and two lower-than-normal low tides.

The effect is already noticeable and will increase in intensity towards the full moon peak, gradually declining in intensity towards the end of the weekend.

Spring tides pose a potential hazard to bathers around the coastline – especially during the outgoing tide, and coastal hiking trails can be cut off during the high tide.

Boaters, paddlers and sailors have been urged to wear life jackets, carry safety equipment and download the free NSRI smartphone app to ensure someone can be alerted in an emergency.

The NSRI’s Craig Lambinon has called for extreme caution:

“We appeal to parents to ensure your children have responsible adult supervision in and around water. To everyone, we are appealing to you to be safety cautious in and around water – Lets keep each other safe.”

The warning comes as a surf skier was rescued off-shore in Glencairn on Monday evening.

Simon McDonnell, NSRI Simonstown station commander said the paddler was at risk of being swept onto rocks below the Glencairn railway station – he was reportedly hanging onto his surf ski and being swept shorewards.

“On arrival on the scene, in fading light, a visual of the paddler was located from the shoreline. He was holding an electronic distress light to mark his position for NSRI crew on the shoreline to monitor his position.”

NSRI rescue swimmers were preparing to enter the water when the NSRI rescue craft arrived on the scene and was able to rescue the man onto the rescue craft.

The 68-year-old man from Amsterdam was treated for hypothermia.

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