Celebrating 55 years in operation, South Africa’s NSRI ( National Sea Rescue Institute) is an extraordinary sea rescue service organisation that not only assists with helping sea crews, stranded boats, swimmers in difficulty and much more, but also aids in recuing various sea wildlife. Through their association with conservation groups, animal sanctuaries and aquariums around the country the NSRI is able to work with various specialists to assist with whales entangled in fishing nets, seals, turtles and marine birds in distress and their rescues even extend to man’s best friend with many dogs having been saved from drowning.
Having been formed due to a tragic event where four fishing vessels went out to sea at Stilbaai in 1966 and only one returned causing Simonstown teacher Patti Price to embark on a letter writing campaign to various media urging the need for a sea rescue service. Her efforts bore fruit and today the NSRI operates 49 bases comprising coastal stations, inland stations on dams, auxiliary stations, and lifeguard units. There are crews on standby at all hours and the NSRI is also supported by a very large contingent of highly skilled and fully trained volunteers.
In addition to the dedicated Training Academy in Cape Town various training stations around the country host regular training sessions for their crews. There is also an online eLearning Academy where volunteers can attend virtual training classes in theoretical aspects of rescue. There are also intensive shorter-form full-time rescue courses that allows volunteers to achieve their crew badges and join a station of their choice close to where they reside.
The NSRI is an indispensable asset, bringing unparalleled benefits to various communities by providing rapid response and expert assistance that ensures those in peril receive timely aid and medical attention. However, the NSRI operates solely on donations from the public to provide these essential rescue services.
There are many ways to assist the NSRI including by participating or organising fund raising events, so visit the NSRI website at www.nsri.org.sa to see how you can help this non-profit organisation in South Africa tasked with saving lives through drowning prevention.
