South Africa's coastal regions on high alert as lethal super tide claims lives

COASTAL regions across South Africa are on high alert today as a lethal "super tide" continues to batter the shoreline, leaving at least three people dead and five others missing in a series of New Year’s Day tragedies.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) issued an urgent national advisory on Friday, warning that the current full moon spring tide—set to peak on Monday, 5 January—is creating "vicious" sea conditions and exceptionally powerful rip currents.

New Year’s Day carnage

What should have been a day of celebration turned into a nightmare for families at several popular beaches on Thursday.

In the most severe incident, a group of five swimmers was swept out to sea at Pennington Beach on the KZN South Coast. While lifeguards managed to pull three people from the water, two 21-year-old men were later confirmed deceased. A massive search is currently underway for two additional young men, both aged 21, who are still missing.

In Langebaan, a 26-year-old man from Burundi died after being found floating lifeless by a kite-boarder. Further north at St Lucia’s Jabula Beach, a 15-year-old boy vanished beneath the surf after rip currents swept three casualties into heavy breaking swells. While two were saved by the NSRI’s JetRIB craft, the teenager has not been seen since.

A 'natural phenomenon' with deadly force

The NSRI explained that the spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align, significantly amplifying the gravitational pull on the ocean. This creates "Higher Highs" and "Lower Lows."

"The difference between high and low tide is at its maximum right now," the NSRI stated. "This intensifies rip currents, particularly during the outgoing tide in the late afternoon."

Active search operations

As of Friday morning, emergency teams including the SAPS Water Wing and Police Search and Rescue are active at:

• Durban South Beach: Searching for a 22-year-old male from the Eastern Cape.

• Shelly Beach: Searching for a 33-year-old local man.

• St Lucia and Pennington: Ongoing searches for three missing teenagers and young adults.

The only glimmer of hope came from Knysna, where lifeguards and NSRI medics successfully restored the pulse of a 13-year-old boy who had suffered a medical emergency in the water at Leisure Isle. He remains in serious but stable condition in hospital.

NSRI safety directives

Authorities are urging the public to exercise "extreme caution" through the weekend. Beachgoers are advised to:

• Swim only between the flags at lifeguard-protected beaches.

• Avoid coastal hiking paths during the late afternoon, as the higher-than-normal high tide can cut off escape routes.

• Wear life jackets when fishing from rocks or trekking near cliffs.

"The effects of this spring tide will be felt for several more days," warned an NSRI spokesperson. "Respect the power of nature and stay informed."