NSRI

Celebrate a Life and contribute to maritime safety with the NSRI's latest campaign! By donating R1 000, you can have a loved one’s name inscribed on our new Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC), a state-of-the-art vessel designed to save lives at sea.

🌊 This unique tribute not only honours your loved one but also supports our mission to deliver world-class rescue services. Each name will be part of every life-saving mission, creating a lasting legacy.

💌 Contributors receive a personalised digital certificate, an invitation to the boat blessing, and a thank you letter from the NSRI.

For more info, click the link below
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/nsri-campaign-invites-donations-to-honour-loved-ones-on-rescue-craft/

Empowering communities with lifesaving skills! The Sunshine Coast Survival Swimming Programme, launched after a tragic incident, has transformed water safety education in Kenton on Sea and Port Alfred.

Over 1,460 learners have gained essential survival swimming skills, thanks to innovative solutions like the 'Float Rope' and incredible community support 🌊

🙌 Congratulations to Carol Mewse and Carey Webster for their outstanding contributions, recognised with the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

For more info, click the link below
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/sunshine-coast-swimming-programme-empowers-communities-with-lifesaving-skills/

TABLE BAY: A South African female crew member of a container motor vessel has been taken to hospital for treatment for medical complications in medical evacuation operation.

SAFETY ALERT and incidents at Hermanus, Durban and Cape Town: SAFETY ALERT:NSRI and the emergency services are appealing to the public to take caution around the coastline as storm seas, coupled with the new moon…

Thoughts, care and compassion are with the families of 2 local males, age 20 and age 17, who went missing on Saturday early evening at Victoria Bay, George, reportedly while swimming. A search that commenced on Saturday early evening is ongoing.

A search is ongoing for 2 local males missing in the surf zone at… Thoughts, care and compassion are with the families of 2 local males, age 20 and age 17, who went missing on Saturday early evening at Victoria Bay,…

Early on 12 July, our NSRI Mossel Bay team executed two crucial medical evacuations, showcasing incredible teamwork and dedication. Both seafarers, a 54-year-old Filipino and a 49-year-old Syrian, were safely brought ashore and are now recovering well 🚑🌊

👏 Our volunteers' actions and precise coordination ensured these successful operations. A huge thank you to everyone involved for your unwavering commitment to saving lives.

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/successful-dual-medical-evacuations-by-nsri-mossel-bay-a-triumph-of-teamwork-and-coordination/

NSRI urges public caution amidst storms and spring tides along the coastline.

PORT EDWARD: A Gauteng dad and daughter are recovering in hospital from non-fatal drowning symptoms after being caught in rip currents while using an inflatable tube in the surf line:

SAFETY ALERT and incidents at Port Edward and Simonstown SAFET ALERT:NSRI are appealing to the public to be cautious around the coastline where storms around the coast, along the Northern and Western Cape…

AWARDS: On the 19th of July, we celebrated remarkable bravery and service at the 2024 NSRI AGM & Awards Evening at Capital Zimbali in Ballito. Our heroes' selflessness and dedication in saving lives were honored with heartfelt tributes and prestigious awards ✨🏅

From heroic rescues during the 2022 KZN floods to unwavering commitment to water safety, our volunteers embody the spirit of courage and community 🌊🚤

👏 Join us in applauding these incredible individuals who risk their lives to save others. Together, we can continue to support and celebrate their extraordinary efforts.

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/agmawards2024/

NSRI Hout Bay rescue crew and NSRI Hout Bay coast watchers were alerted to get visuals and to monitor a group of paddlers who were on sea kayaks and appearing to be struggling against the wind in the surf below Chapmans Peak Drive.

NSRI's Lifesaving Efforts Across Hout Bay, Bloubergstrand, and… Spencer Oldham, NSRI Hout Bay station commander, said: At 11h43, Sunday, 18 August, NSRI Hout Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning…

Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said: At 14h29, Saturday, 24 August, NSRI Wilderness were alerted to reports of a fisherman fallen and injured at Gwaing, near to George.

Rescue Incidents around WILDERNESS (George), MOSSEL BAY and GQEBERHA Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said: At 14h29, Saturday, 24 August, NSRI Wilderness were alerted to reports of a fisherman fallen and…

NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following reports received through a community Whatsapp group of a drowning in progress at Stilbaai, between Robberg Nature Reserve and Kranshoek, near Plettenberg Bay.

A local man is missing at sea NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following reports received through a community Whatsapp group of a drowning in progress at Stilbaai, between…

NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) was alerted by a bystander public member at Clifton 3rd Beach reporting an infant he had come across found washed up on the beach.

Body of an infant found washed up on Clifton Beach NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) was alerted by a bystander public member at Clifton 3rd Beach reporting an infant he had come across found washed…

Today, we mark World Drowning Prevention Day, a vital reminder of the work still to be done to save lives. The NSRI is leading the charge in South Africa with impactful programmes that teach water safety and survival skills 🌊🚨

🏊‍♂️ Over 4.7 million people educated in water safety.
🚩 1800+ Pink Rescue Buoys deployed, saving 184 lives.
🏊‍♀️ Free Survival Swimming lessons in communities.

Every lesson, every buoy, every volunteer makes a difference. Join us in supporting these life-saving initiatives. Together, we can turn the tide on drowning.

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/world-drowning-prevention-day-how-the-nsris-programmes-are-making-a-difference/

🌍🛟

Shark Alarm in Plettenberg Bay 🦈

The NSRI is leading beach safety with a new shark alarm in Plettenberg Bay, part of our innovative Beach Safety Camera Network Project. This project, initiated in 2020, features cameras to spot rip currents and sharks, ensuring a safer beach experience.

Plett Station Commander Jaco Kruger highlights its impact: "It's definitely the future. The system aids in rescue operations and alerts beachgoers to potential dangers swiftly."

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/shark-alarm-in-plettenberg-bay-enhancing-beach-safety-with-innovative-technology/

VACANCY: The National Sea Rescue Institute is looking to appoint an experienced Accountant to provide financial support to the financial department and National Sea Rescue Institute's stations. Apply today here:

www.nsri.org.za

Rescuing Giants: A Heroic Whale Disentanglement Mission 🐋

On 28 June, the NSRI and the SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) responded to an urgent call for a whale entangled in a fishing line off Walker Bay, Hermanus.

Our team, aboard the Leonard Smith, worked to free the distressed juvenile Southern Right whale. Despite the challenges and dangers, they cut away most of the line, significantly improving the whale's movements.

Though the whale still had some line attached, follow-up missions saw it swimming more freely. We continue to monitor its progress, hoping for a full recovery.

This mission highlights the dangers and rewards of our work, and we remain dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures.

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/rescuing-giants-the-nsris-heroic-whale-disentanglement-mission/

Photo of the Month 📸

Congratulations to Jadon Brown for winning July 2024's Photo of the Month with his stunning shot of Station 41 Ballito’s jet ski in action! 🌊🏆

Shoutout to our amazing runners-up:

Yvonne Botha’s thrilling capture of Rescue 18A during a search and rescue mission at Milnerton 🚤
Amanda Thomas’s breathtaking Muizenberg sunrise 🌅
Send us your best NSRI action shots and stand a chance to win an NSRI shop voucher worth R250!

Email your photo (no smaller than 2MB) to [email protected] with 'Monthly photo' in the subject line.

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/this-month-in-photos/
(*T&Cs apply.)

Exciting news with the announcement of Mike Vonk as the new CEO of NSRI. Thank you to Cleeve for your dedicated service 🙌

NSRI announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer The NSRI has the pleasure of announcing that Mike Vonk, with years of experience as an NSRI volunteer and Chief Executive Officer of the George Regional…

After over a decade of dedicated service, Dr. Cleeve Robertson, esteemed CEO of the NSRI, is retiring. Under his visionary leadership, the NSRI has expanded, ensuring countless lives were saved through remarkable rescues and preventive measures. From hands-on rescues like the Miroshga capsize in 2012 to enhancing water safety education, Dr. Robertson’s legacy is one of innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

Thank you, Dr. Robertson, for your extraordinary contributions. 🌊🚤❤️

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/an-unforgettable-journey-dr-cleeve-robertson-retires-from-the-nsri/

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the new CEO of the NSRI.

NSRI announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer The NSRI has the pleasure of announcing that Mike Vonk, with years of experience as an NSRI volunteer and Chief Executive Officer of the George Regional…

All thoughts, care and compassion are with the family, friends and the French u/18 schools rugby squad following an incident on Wednesday where a 17 year old French Schools rugby team member went missing at Diaz Beach, Cape Point, Cape Town, South Africa.

French U/18 Rugby Player Missing at Diaz Beach All thoughts, care and compassion are with the family, friends and the French u/18 schools rugby squad following an incident on Wednesday where a 17 year…

🚨🌊 In memory of Pierre Lotter, Willem Pretorius, and their three Dachshunds who tragically drowned at Kids Rock in May, the NSRI has installed two Pink Rescue Buoys at Kleinbaai, Bloubergstrand. This initiative not only honours their memory but also enhances safety for all. Thank you to the community and emergency services for their support. Stay safe and vigilant, everyone. 💔🙏

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/tragedy-at-kids-rock-a-communitys-response-and-the-lifesaving-efforts-of-the-nsri/

Our 2024 trainee intake completed their fitness tests on Saturday morning with the Station 3 crew at Clifton. 📸 Paula L

🚤🌧️ Battling poor visibility and heavy rain on the 27th of June, the NSRI Port Edward crew of Spirit of Steve set a new benchmark with the longest RHIB rescue operation in NSRI history. Covering 158 nautical miles, they rescued four sailors from their liferaft after they abandoned their yacht near Coffee Bay. This mission showcased exceptional coordination and bravery, highlighting the dedication and teamwork of the NSRI volunteers. Kudos to everyone involved! 🌊💪

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/the-longest-nsri-rhib-rescue-operation-a-historic-achievement/

Stay safe at sea! 🚨📱

The NSRI urges all seafarers, especially surf-skiers, kayakers, and small-craft enthusiasts, to download the free NSRI SafeTrx app. Recent successful rescues highlight how the app’s precise location data can drastically reduce response times and ensure your safety. Protect yourself and your loved ones by making this essential tool part of your sea adventure. 🌊🚤📍

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/nsri-urges-seafarers-to-download-free-safetrx-app-after-latest-incidents/

Congratulations to this month's R25,000 winners in our Monthly Cash Draw. You too could be a winner by donating as little as R25 per month.

Learn more: https://www.nsri.org.za/support-us/nsri-monthlydraw-2024

The SA Weather Services warns that South-westerly swells with wave heights of 4-5 m reaching 6-8 m in places between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas can be expected from Saturday spreading to Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay by the evening through to Monday morning. Difficulty in navigation at sea is likely for the entire coastline during this period. On Saturday, strong to gale-force north-westerly winds (60-80 km/h) are expected between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay. The combination of gale-force winds and high waves could lead to very rough and choppy sea conditions. Winds will moderate from the West towards Sunday while the waves are expected to subside during Monday afternoon.

Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents, especially during spring tides.

Enhancing rescue skills! 🚤📚

The NSRI's recent MEX Orientation Course in Plettenberg Bay provided crucial training in high-angle extrication techniques for maritime environments. Led by experienced instructors, the course focused on essential skills to handle complex rescue scenarios. A huge thank you to all participants and trainers for their dedication to improving maritime rescue operations! 🌊💪

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/mex-orientation-course-in-plettenberg-bay-enhancing-maritime-rescue-skills/

In an incident on Sunday, 21 July; NSRI Melkbosstrand, NSRI Table Bay, NSRI Bakoven, Milnerton lifeguards, and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services launched 5 rescue craft to assist in a search operation with the emergency services and Police for 2 young men missing in the surf at Milnerton.

UPDATE: 2 young men missing in the surf at Milnerton All care, compassion and condolences are conveyed to families and friends of a 19 year old local male teenager and a 20 year old local man, who went…

NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a man missing in the Kowie River Mouth, Port Alfred.

Man Recovered After Falling Out of a Boat NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a man missing in the Kowie River Mouth, Port Alfred.

Exciting progress at Witbank Dam! 🚤✨

The NSRI is developing a new rescue base at the Witbank Yacht & Aquatic Club, enhancing our capabilities to serve the Emalahleni community. This new facility will provide better support for our dedicated crew, attract more volunteers, and strengthen community bonds. Thank you to everyone involved for making this possible! 🌊👨‍✈️👩‍✈️

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/new-nsri-base-at-witbank-dam-progress-and-community-impact/

On Friday, July 19, the NSRI held its 57th Annual Awards Evening and AGM at the Capital Zimbali in Ballito. This event was a heartfelt celebration of our devoted volunteers and other courageous individuals who selflessly risk their lives to rescue others on South African waters.

𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/07/agmawards2024/

🌧️🚨 Severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape have caused extensive damage and loss of life since June 1, 2024. The NSRI has worked with multiple rescue services during these operations, saving many lives amidst the devastation. These floods highlight the urgent need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Thank you to all the brave rescuers for their tireless efforts! 🙏💪

For more info, click the link below:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/climate-change-wreaks-havoc-major-floods-in-kwazulu-natal-and-eastern-cape/

Station 3 and Sea Rescue Bakoven responded to reports of a boat capsized off Saunders Beach on Thursday 13th June. Rescue 3A - Spirit of Day was launched and NSRI Rescue Swimmers entered the water to assist the casualties. More on the callout on the NSRI website https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/two-men-sadly-deceased-and-one-man-survived-a-tragic-boating-accident/

Fishing trawler sinks, 9 fishermen recovered, 11 still missing A fishing trawler has sunk 30 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Town - 9 fishermen have been recovered but 11 are still missing at sea.

One man deceased, and another and 3 pet dogs are missing at sea near… SAPS Water Policing and Diving Servicesand Table View Police continue searching for missing Pierre Lotter, age 23, from Kathu, and 3 Dachshund dogs at…