Onrus Beach

LIFE’S A BEACH: YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SPOTS

Hermanus has a long and varied coastline that boasts a variety of beaches. From the expansive Blue Flag Grotto Beach to quieter secluded beaches tucked away among the cliffs and dunes; every beach offers a unique experience. Grotto Beach holds the country’s record for being awarded a Blue Flag grading for the most consecutive years. Kleinmond and Hawston beaches also have been granted Blue Flag status. This means that visitors can expect clean, well-cared-for environments, changing facilities and lifeguards. During the peak holiday season, from 1 December, Blue lag beaches have lifeguards every day from 09:00 to 18:00.

ONRUS BEACH │Xplorio

Onrus Beach

Onrus Beach is also a favourite haunt for local surfers, but more inexperienced swimmers should be aware that the sea bed drops sharply from the beach, making swimming tricky and sometimes dangerous. This beach has ‘pilot’ Blue Flag status.

Here you will ind a picture-perfect location for swimming and enjoying the sunshine. The Onrus River Lagoon mouth - where small children can play in the calmer waters of the lagoon and older children and adults can brave the waves - is ideally suited to family outings.

Note: Keep an eye out for the information sign that warns about faecal pollution in the lagoon. The sign has a QR code pointing at a website page with information about the current water status and potential health risks of swimming in the lagoon. Visit whalecoastconservation.org.za/goinggreen/eco-community/onrus-river-estuary-lagoon/ for more information.

SAFETY TIPS

• The ocean currents can be extremely strong at times and it’s advised that caution be taken when swimming in unknown waters;

• Swim only when and where there are lifeguards on duty and where signs indicate that it is safe to swim;

• Always swim between the red and yellow lags;

• Never swim alone;

• If you ind yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguards’ attention;

• If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or ind help. Don't attempt a rescue and put your own life in danger as well;

• Don’t consume alcohol and swim;

• Don’t dive from tidal pool walls. Swim only at low tide when no waves are breaking over the walls.

RIP CURRENTS

According to the NSRI, the biggest danger that people will face on the beaches this summer will be rip currents - the greatest cause of drowning accidents along our coast.

• Don’t panic or try to swim against the current;

• As tough as this sounds, let the current take you out to sea;

• Raise one arm in the air and wave and scream to alert people on the shore that you’re in trouble;

• At the irst chance you get, swim parallel to the beach until you’re free of the rip current, then use the incoming waves to aid your progress to get back to shore.

NSRI Station 17 Hermanus: 082 990 5967 | Sea Rescue Emergency: 112 from a cellphone Overstrand Municipality 24-hour Fire & Rescue: 028 312 2400/ 028 313 8980 Law Enforcement: 028 313 8111 | Hermanus Police: 028 313 5300

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