NSRI

30/08/2025

NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene to investigate where it was found that a local 20 year old male had found himself cut off from main land in the rising high tide and appearing to be getting increasingly in more distress as the high tide increased with waves threatening to engulf the rocks that he was on.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/young-man-rescued-from-rocks-at-mossel-bay-after-rising-tide-cuts-him-off/

30/08/2025

While responded it was determined that one of the two youngsters, both believed to be male teenagers, had reached the shoreline and was not injured while one teenager, a local male, age 16, was witnessed being swept out to sea in strong rip currents before disappearing.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/search-continues-for-missing-teen-swept-out-to-sea-at-bloubergstrand/

27/08/2025

On arrival on the scene, it was found that there were three men at their boat where we believe 2 of the men had been free diving when one man had failed to surface while free diving - his friend was in the water conducting free dive search efforts.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/search-and-rescue-operation-in-kowie-river-ends-in-sad-loss-of-free-diver/

25/08/2025

NSRI Rescue Report | A Week of Life-saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond to emergencies across the country, from coastlines to inland waters. This is a look at some of the rescues, images, and moments that demonstrate their courage, skill, and dedication to saving lives from the past week.

25/08/2025

Rowan Marais, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, said: At 13h20, Sunday, 24 August, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a male appearing to be in difficulty in the surf zone at Bloubergstrand Beach, Table View, next to Dolphin Beach Hotel (in front of KFC).
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/an-unidentified-male-has-gone-missing-in-the-surf/

24/08/2025

NSRI Shelly Beach duty crew were alerted to reports of a local well known 57 year old male recovered from the surf zone by 2 local Good Samaritans and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were in progress - at Umtentweni Beach, KZN South Coast.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/a-local-man-recovered-from-the-water-is-sadly-deceased-from-undetermined-causes/

24/08/2025

A husband and wife, on a double surf ski, are commended for using our NSRI SafeTrx phone application that contributed to saving their lives after getting into difficulty and capsizing while on a downwind paddle from Fish Hoek to Millers Point on Wednesday in False Bay.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/a-local-husband-and-wife-rescued-by-nsri-simons-town/

24/08/2025

At 08h30, Wednesday, 20 August, NSRI Durban duty crew and Red Line Response ambulance services were placed on alert by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) to prepare for a medical evacuation operation of a 41 year old Chinese male seafarer who had suffered a serious injury on a 189 meter motor vessel bulk carrier that was, at the time, headed towards Durban from deep sea.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/nsri-durban-rescues-injured-crewman-at-sea/

22/08/2025

We're looking for a Face-to-Face Fundraiser in Cape Town. While NSRI crews and lifeguards are out saving lives, we have a team raising funds to support their efforts. The purpose of this role is to generate donations and build relationships with donors at venues, in person, for the NSRI.

The National Sea Rescue Institute is a charity staffed by volunteers who are on call 24/7. Our mission is to save lives on South African waters.

22/08/2025

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-2025/

22/08/2025

📸 Snapped a great NSRI moment?

Email it to news@searescue.org.za (2MB or more, subject: Monthly photo) and you could win a R250 voucher.

Congrats to Matthew Gerbers for July’s winning shot of Rescue 37.

T&Cs apply. Entries close on the 20th of each month.

21/08/2025

On Thursday, 21 August, we have managed to intervene to prevent dog ACHI from being euthanised.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/08/a-dad-daughter-and-their-dog-rescued-after-abandoning-their-sailing-yacht/

13/06/2025

When floodwaters surged from the Vaal Dam in late April, swift action and teamwork saved lives. From night rescues to navigating submerged terrain, NSRI and partners stood united, proving that in a crisis, courage and collaboration rise with the tide. 🚤🌧️💛

05/04/2025

As the school holidays are upon us, The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urges holidaymakers and visitors to the coast to exercise caution as the…

05/04/2025

PEARLY BEACH: Jean le Roux, NSRI Hermanus coxswain, said: At 18h07, Thursday, 3 April, NSRI Hermanus, NSRI Agulhas, the SA Police Services and a WC…

22/01/2025

Brian Gosling, NSRI Gordons Bay duty coxswain, said:At 15h16, Sunday, 19 January, the CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network was alerted by Strand…

18/01/2025

17/01/2025

In a groundbreaking move for coastal safety, the South African Weather Service launched a rip current forecasting model on November 21, 2024, aimed at improving beach safety along the Cape Peninsula. This new system, which provides real-time predictions for six key Cape Town beaches, will help lifeguards, beachgoers, and emergency responders better anticipate and respond to dangerous rip currents. With the festive season apon us, the model promises to enhance public awareness and reduce drowning risks along South Africa's coastlines.

Read more:https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/12/saws-groundbreaking-rip-current-forecasting-system-to-strengthen-nsris-beach-safety-efforts/

17/01/2025

As the festive season draws to a close, the NSRI remins us of key water safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. From avoiding alcohol while swimming or boating, to supervising children closely, wearing lifejackets, and using the NSRI SafeTRX app for boating safety—these simple steps can help prevent accidents and save lives. It is safest to swim between lifeguard flags, respect the risks of rip currents, and know how to respond in an emergency. Enjoy the sunny days safely and responsibly!

Read more:https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/12/stay-safe-this-summer-water-safety-tips-from-the-nsri/

09/01/2025

On 5 January, NSRI Gauteng joined Police, SARZA, and rescue teams in an extensive search for a 26-year-old man who went missing on 1 January while…

09/01/2025

Mark Hughes Retires After 46 Years of Service to the NSRI
After nearly five decades of dedication to the National Sea Rescue Institute, Capital Projects Director Mark Hughes retires, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and resilience.

From his humble beginnings as a teenage volunteer to revolutionizing rescue technology with the introduction of Offshore Rescue Craft and the JetRib, Mark's contributions have shaped the NSRI into the modern, high-tech organisation it is today.

His commitment to training, safety, and the development of the Richards Bay station will continue to inspire future generations of rescue heroes.

Read More: https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/12/mark-hughes-reflects-on-46-years-of-service-with-the-nsri/

09/01/2025

At 14h30, Wednesday, 8 January, CoCT (City of Cape Town) Strand lifeguards initiated a search for a teenager reported missing at the beach in Strand -…

09/01/2025

On 4 January, NSRI Kleinmond and emergency teams conducted extensive air, sea, and shoreline searches after reports of a diver in distress near Kleinmond…

03/01/2025

Justin Erasmus, NSRI Gqeberha station commander, said: At 13h27, 2 January, NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in…