Heed weather warnings, NSRI urges

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is appealing to seafarers and members of the public to be cautious, following the warnings from the South African Weather Services (SAWS), about gale force winds and rough sea conditions over this long weekend.

These forecasted conditions are expected on the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines, and they could extend beyond these.

SAWS is forecasting heavy rainfall and there may be flooding in places, affecting inland rivers, dams and waterways, the NSRI noted in a media release.

"We are appealing to the public to heed the SAWS weather warnings and updated weather forecasts," the NSRI stated.

"Don’t deliberately get into harm's way. Stay inside. Don’t drive. Don't launch to go to sea unless you absolutely have to. Be cautious and be safety minded," the NSRI urged.

"Seafarers should wear life jackets while at sea and we appeal to coastal hikers, shoreline anglers, paddlers, sailboarders, surfers and bathers to stay away from rough seas and be safety conscious."