Beaches along the South Shore are to be closed due to dangerous rip currents caused by Tropical Storm Colin.

This afternoon lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay shut down swimming to more than half the beach due to very dangerous rip currents in addition to flying the yellow flag discouraging weak swimmers from entering the water and others to exercise extreme care and caution while in or near the water.

A spokesman for the Parks Department said: “As of 6 p.m. tonight (Friday, August 6), the lifeguards towers at Horseshoe Bay, John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach and Long Bay Coopers Island will be closed until Monday. Should weather and resources allow the lifeguards will attempt to resume operations sometime on Sunday.

“In anticipation of increased high surf overnight and through the day tomorrow, the Department of Parks will be erected high surf warning signs in our National Parks from Whale Bay, Southampton, eastward along the south shore parks through to and including John Smith's Bay, Smiths and then Clearwater and Turtle Beach in St. David's.

“The Cooper's Island Nature Reserve will be closed to the public as of 6pm tonight until further notice.”