Heritage Day: Check tide times before heading to the beach

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Day and many families head outdoors, beaches are likely to be busy as people make the most of the holiday.

If you are planning to swim, surf, fish, paddle or spend the day at the coast on Thursday, 24 September, check the tide times before setting out.

Knowing when high and low tide is expected can help beachgoers plan their activities and avoid being caught off guard by changing water levels.

Check the tides before heading out this Heritage Day

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has urged the public to take extra care around water as activity increases during the school holidays. The organisation has also reported increased rescue activity along parts of the coastline.

Rising temperatures and more people spending time around beaches, swimming pools, rivers and dams can increase the risks for swimmers, boaters, anglers and families.

Tides are only one part of the picture. Wind, swell, currents and general sea conditions can also affect conditions at the coast.

Before heading into the water this Heritage Day, check the latest weather and sea conditions and take note of the tide times for your area.

Tides to watch along the coast on Thursday, 24 September

Tide times can help beachgoers, anglers and other coastal visitors plan their activities.

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban

• Low tide: 08:38
• High tide:18:31
• Low tide: 20:59

Richards Bay

• Low tide: 08:42
• High tide:14:53
• Low tide: 20:56

Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth

• Low tide: 08:28
• High tide:14:37
• Low tide: 20:50

East London

• Low tide: 08:34
• High Tide:14:45
• Low tide: 20:50

Western Cape

Cape Town

• Low tide: 07:55
• High tide: 14:04
• Low tide: 20:18

Mossel Bay

• Low tide: 08:22
• High tide:14:24
• Low tide: 20:43

Northern Cape

Port Nolloth

• Low tide: 07:49
• High tide:13:54
• Low tide: 20:09

Alexander Bay

• Low tide: 07:47
• High tide: 13:54
• Low tide: 20:04

What to expect

For anyone planning a Heritage Day beach trip, checking these times before leaving can help make the day safer and easier to plan.