"Cosmic coincidence" cause rip current warning

SWIMMERS and shoreline anglers have been warned to be extremely cautious over the next five to six days when stronger than normal rip currents are expected along the coastline, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Friday (20/03/15).

According to the NSRI a “trio of space events” will cause even stronger than normal rip currents as well as higher and lower than normal high and low tides.

“What is being termed a “cosmic coincidence”, happening through Friday 20 March, we may well see rip currents being even stronger than what are normally experienced during the spring tide. This is because of the Equinox, the beginning of Autumn for the Southern Hemisphere, a Solar Eclipse, the effects of which will mostly be seen in the Northern Hemisphere and a super moon”, the NSRI said on its website.

Spring tide happens twice every month, at full moon and at new moon.

This spring tide peaks on Saturday 21 March, with the new moon phase and will likely last a couple of days but these events, particularly the super moon, may have a greater than normal affect on this spring tide.

"If you are planning a visit to the coastline you are advised to take caution and to be aware of the new moon spring tide," the NSRI warned.

TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE