TheNational Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is warning of higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides over the long weekend.
"NSRIwish everyone a safe weekend and we urge the public to adopt a safety-conscious mindset around coastal and inland waters,” said NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon.
He said the national full moon spring tide peaks on Friday and the spring tide effect - a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide - will be in effect throughout the long weekend and last up to the end of next week.
"Caution is advised and anglers fishing from rocks along the coast are urged to be cautious," the statement said.
"Our rule number one, for a safe experience at the beach, is to choose a beach that has Lifeguards on duty and to swim between their flags."
Lambino said that the NSRI called on the public to be aware of its Pink Rescue Buoy project launched in November 2017.
"These bright Pink Rescue Buoys are hung on strategically placed signs and we hope that they will remind people to take care when entering the water – and not to swim if lifeguards are not on duty at that stretch of the beach."
NSRIhas called upon people to be vigilant, especially if they are overseeing children swimming, and not to be distracted by mobile phones or social media.
It has also called upon people not to attempt rescues of others in trouble in the water, but rather to call for assistance from lifeguards or the NSRI or other helplines and to only swim at beaches where there are lifeguards on duty.
-African News Agency (ANA)
