The Buffalo City Metro has closed Nahoon Beach due to strong and hazardous rip currents.
BCM on Friday took to social media to notify the public about the closure of the beach.
Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya told the Dispatch that the recent rainfall has created a channel on the beach where water flows out, essentially forming a rip current, which is worsened by the large swell and strong east wind the city is experiencing.
More water washing up onto the beach means more water needs to drain back out to sea, intensifying the rip current and making it deeper.
“Attempting to swim against this current is like swimming against a treadmill — you'll quickly become exhausted and risk drowning,” he said.
To prevent tragedies, the beach has been closed temporarily.
“With the strong east wind, spotting rip currents is also more challenging,” Ngwenya said.
“It's simply safer to avoid swimming there for now.”
The beach is expected to reopen when the swell subsides and conditions return to normal.
“It shouldn't be too long,” Ngwenya said.
He also cautioned beachgoers to exercise responsibility when the beach is open.
“Please listen to lifeguards and avoid swimming under the influence,” he said.
“About 99% of our drowning cases are alcohol-related.”
DispatchLIVE
BREAKING | Nahoon Beach closed due to harzadous rip currents
Image: SUPPLIED
The Buffalo City Metro has closed Nahoon Beach due to strong and hazardous rip currents.
BCM on Friday took to social media to notify the public about the closure of the beach.
Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya told the Dispatch that the recent rainfall has created a channel on the beach where water flows out, essentially forming a rip current, which is worsened by the large swell and strong east wind the city is experiencing.
More water washing up onto the beach means more water needs to drain back out to sea, intensifying the rip current and making it deeper.
“Attempting to swim against this current is like swimming against a treadmill — you'll quickly become exhausted and risk drowning,” he said.
To prevent tragedies, the beach has been closed temporarily.
“With the strong east wind, spotting rip currents is also more challenging,” Ngwenya said.
“It's simply safer to avoid swimming there for now.”
The beach is expected to reopen when the swell subsides and conditions return to normal.
“It shouldn't be too long,” Ngwenya said.
He also cautioned beachgoers to exercise responsibility when the beach is open.
“Please listen to lifeguards and avoid swimming under the influence,” he said.
“About 99% of our drowning cases are alcohol-related.”
DispatchLIVE
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