WCED and NSRI warns of school holiday safety next week

As schools close for the Autumn break on Friday, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has again called on residents to keep a close eye on their local schools in their neighbourhoods.

While the department has subsidized security personnel at 443 schools during the holiday period, the WCED Minister David Maynier says he cannot overstate the positive impact that an involved community can have on the safety of local school properties.

“A special thank you to those teachers and learners who will be participating in the #BackOnTrack programme for part of the holiday, to improve learning outcomes in the Western Cape,” added Mayner

Meanwhile, parents and caregivers of prospective grades R, 1 and 8 learners of next year are reminded that the on-time 2026 school applications are still open until the 15th of April.

Safety at beaches this school holiday

While many set out to ensure the Autumn vacation, The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has also urged holidaymakers and visitors to the coast to exercise caution. This as the upcoming new moon spring tide is set to peak on Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30 March 2025.

According to the NSRI, this spring tide coincides with the start of the school holidays, significantly impacting tidal conditions, especially around high tide in the late afternoon during the first days of the school holidays.

What to Expect During a Spring Tide:

Higher High Tides: Water levels will rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline.
Lower Low Tides: More of the seabed will be exposed as water levels dip below average.
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 can result in stronger tidal currents, particularly in narrow inlets.
This natural phenomenon presents 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 in the afternoon.
Fishing Precautions: Shoreline anglers should exercise extra caution, as higher waves may reach beyond usual safe zones.

Beach, Swimming and Coastal Activity Safety

Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches: Go into the water between lifeguard flags to avoid rip currents.
Be aware of rip currents. Rip currents can be particularly strong during spring tides, especially during outgoing tides, which will occur in the late afternoon.
Stay informed: Check daily weather forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and consult tide timetables.
Hiking: Plan your hikes carefully, avoiding trails that may be cut off during high tide in the late afternoon.
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 or a 5L plastic 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.

General Water Safety

Alcohol and water do not mix: Drinking alcohol before doing an activity in or near water puts your life at risk.
Supervise children: Drowning is silent. Children should always be supervised by adults when in or near water.

Additional Precautions

Time your activities: Be cautious during tide changes, especially when high tide recedes to low tide (in the late afternoon) for beach visitors and on the incoming tide (in the early afternoon) for rock anglers and hikers.
Stay informed: Follow local safety alerts and warnings issued by authorities.
Save the NSRI’s emergency number 087 094 9774 on your cell phone.

The effects of spring tides will last several days before and after Saturday, March 29.