• From 1 December to 31 January Beach No. 4 has Blue Flag status with lifeguards 7am to 5pm
• The exposed beach - unlike the protected lagoon – is dangerous for swimming
• Strong waves cause sand bars, deep channels and very powerful rip currents (watch video) in these channels
• Rips currents are often unexpected and hazardous, especially during outgoing tide
• Rips are typically darker blue with choppy, churning water and foam moving seaward
• No children should ever swim without supervision
• Non and weak swimmers should not enter the sea
• Even strong swimmers should remain on safe sandbanks and avoid channels

• The beach from the river mouth to the East is considered unsafe for swimming. The Groot and Salt River mouths are particulary dangerous after heavy rain
  
• If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it. Try to remain calm, keep your head above water, wave a hand and wait until the current weakens or stops which it always will do. Then swim ashore or tread water until help arrives
• If you see someone in trouble do not swim after that person. Throw anything that floats towards him or her and call Sea Rescue on 082 990 5975 

See swimming guide

Tidetable on web  Wind & waves forecast

Printable tidetable