The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has urged holidaymakers and visitors to the coast to exercise caution during the final days of the school holidays as the full moon spring tide is set to peak on Wednesday this coming week.

NSRI communications manager, Andrew Ingram, says this natural phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon and earth align during the new moon phase, amplifying the gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans.

“The full moon spring tide, which peaks on Wednesday 15 January, will significantly affect tidal conditions during this period. Higher high tides and lower low tides during the day on either side of the 15th of January and will create an increased tidal range. This can heighten potential dangers, including string rip currents and more intense tidal flow which may pose a risk to beach visitors.”