Beachgoers and coastal visitors are being urged to exercise extra caution this weekend as a new moon spring tide peaks today, 20 December 2025, bringing significantly stronger tidal conditions along the coast, reports Cape town Etc .
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute NSRI, spring tides occur when the sun, moon and Earth align during a new moon, intensifying gravitational forces on the ocean and resulting in more extreme tidal movement. The effects are expected to be felt throughout the weekend and for several days thereafter.
The NSRI has warned that higher-than-normal high tides, lower low tides and a wider tidal range could create hazardous conditions for swimmers, anglers, hikers and boaters.
