NSRI Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from NSRI, Albert Meyer Drive, Shelly Beach, Margate.

Today we had the pleasure of hosting students from Suid Natal High School who spent the day with us. They took part in h...
27/09/2025

Today we had the pleasure of hosting students from Suid Natal High School who spent the day with us. They took part in help and huddle training, throw bag practice, croc training, and paddling. It was a day filled with learning and fun, and we look forward to hopefully welcoming some or all of them back as new trainee crew members soon.

Recently, our volunteers took on one of the most demanding courses on the NSRI calendar, the Swift Water Training weeken...
25/09/2025

Recently, our volunteers took on one of the most demanding courses on the NSRI calendar, the Swift Water Training weekend at the Breede River.

Led by Training Officer Dean Wegerle and supported by our training team, crews faced strong currents, unpredictable conditions and even a nighttime rescue exercise. The goal was simple but vital: to build the knowledge, skill and respect needed to work safely in powerful river environments.

Volunteers described the weekend as physically tough but deeply rewarding. They returned home stronger, more confident and united by the camaraderie that defines Sea Rescue. đź’™

.🌊 55 years of service 🌊In 1966, a young teenager stood on the shoreline, watching the SA Seafarer disaster unfold. That...
23/09/2025

.🌊 55 years of service 🌊

In 1966, a young teenager stood on the shoreline, watching the SA Seafarer disaster unfold. That moment changed his life. It sparked a calling that would see Howard Godfrey dedicate more than half a century to saving lives at sea.

From crew member to station commander, mentor, and now Honorary Life Governor, Howard’s journey is proof that volunteering is more than duty; it becomes family.

Today, we celebrate 55 years of service, courage, and heart from this remarkable man. Thank you, Howard.

22/09/2025

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.

👀 Did you spot our field-side message during Saturday’s game?All eyes were on Cheslin’s incredible try, but if you looke...
19/09/2025

👀 Did you spot our field-side message during Saturday’s game?
All eyes were on Cheslin’s incredible try, but if you looked closer, we were there too. NSRI is always by South Africans’ side, keeping watch over our waters, even when no one else is.
🏉

"🌊✨ Last month, the NSRI family gathered for the 58th Annual Awards Evening and AGM. It was a night filled with gratitud...
19/09/2025

"🌊✨ Last month, the NSRI family gathered for the 58th Annual Awards Evening and AGM. It was a night filled with gratitude as we celebrated the courage and dedication of our volunteers.

Among the highlights were incredible milestones. Howard Godfrey was honoured for 55 years of service, while Brad Geyser and Rob Stirrat each marked 50 years of service. Their journeys remind us that Sea Rescue is more than training and rescues. It is a love for the sea, a commitment to the community, and a promise always to answer the call. đź’™"

17/09/2025

🛟 NSRI Drowning Prevention Tips

Drowning is quick, silent, and preventable. Please take note of the following safety tips:

đź‘¶ Children

Never leave children unattended near water – even for a few seconds.

Always have a dedicated water watcher when kids are swimming.

Use proper lifejackets – not inflatable toys.

Teach children basic water safety from a young age.

🌊 At the Beach

Swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

Always swim between the flags.

Never swim alone – use the buddy system.

Beware of rip currents – if caught, stay calm, float, and swim sideways until free.

Alcohol and swimming don’t mix – avoid swimming if you’ve been drinking.

đź›¶ Boating & Water Sports

Everyone on board must wear a certified lifejacket.

Always check the weather forecast before going out.

Carry safety gear: cell phone in waterproof pouch, whistle, and flares if applicable.

Inform someone on land of your route and expected return time.

🏊 Pools & Homes

Secure pools with a safety net, fence, or cover.

Empty buckets and tubs immediately after use.

Keep rescue equipment (pole, float, phone) near the pool.

🚨 In Case of Emergency

Call 112 from any cellphone.

Or NSRI Emergency Number: 087 094 9774.

Start CPR immediately if someone is not breathing – every second counts.

New leadership is here! The NSRI welcomes 11 new Station Commanders who are bringing fresh energy and determination to s...
17/09/2025

New leadership is here! The NSRI welcomes 11 new Station Commanders who are bringing fresh energy and determination to sea rescue. Through specially designed leadership training, they are learning how to lead with heart and purpose, ensuring every station is equipped to serve its community effectively. This new wave of leadership is building on the NSRI's legacy of bravery and skill, and we can't wait to see what they accomplish!

Tonight, we say goodbye to our leader, our Pappa G, and our friend.This will be our last Thursday night with Gary, our l...
11/09/2025

Tonight, we say goodbye to our leader, our Pappa G, and our friend.
This will be our last Thursday night with Gary, our last time all saying together, “Good evening, Gary.”
Another member of our family sets off on a new adventure, and while we are sad to see you go, we are so grateful for the time we’ve had.
Gary, thank you for everything – for your leadership, guidance, and for always keeping calm on the outside during callouts, even when we knew how much it weighed on you inside. Your steady presence in stressful situations is something we have all admired and learned from.
We will miss you more than words can say. You and Mel will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for the countless hours you gave to your bunch of misfits at base and to NSRI.

Station 20 will forever be your home, and your legacy will live on with us always.

Did you know?In April 2014, NSRI Station 20 Shelly Beach welcomed our 7.3m rescue craft, Spirit of Dawn (Rescue 20).Fund...
07/09/2025

Did you know?
In April 2014, NSRI Station 20 Shelly Beach welcomed our 7.3m rescue craft, Spirit of Dawn (Rescue 20).
Funded by the late Robert Duncan in memory of his wife Dawn, this vessel has become our trusted workhorse—especially in tough surf. Over the years she’s played a vital role in:
âś… Saving stranded divers off Protea Banks
âś… Assisting yachts in distress during the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race
âś… Rescuing fishermen and bathers in emergencies
âś… Supporting recovery operations with dignity and care
From her blessing in 2014 to her many life-saving missions, Spirit of Dawn remains a symbol of courage, community, and remembrance. 💙⚓

Did you know? NSRI Station 20 in Shelly Beach was co-founded in 1985 and is a crucial part of the Lower South Coast's se...
05/09/2025

Did you know? NSRI Station 20 in Shelly Beach was co-founded in 1985 and is a crucial part of the Lower South Coast's sea rescue operations. It's built on a strong history of volunteerism and dedication.

🚨 STOLEN PINK TORPEDO BUOY – SOUTHPORT BEACH 🚨Another Pink Torpedo Buoy, a vital life-saving device, has been stolen at ...
01/09/2025

🚨 STOLEN PINK TORPEDO BUOY – SOUTHPORT BEACH 🚨
Another Pink Torpedo Buoy, a vital life-saving device, has been stolen at Southport beach.
This buoy is critically important, as this area has already seen multiple near-drowning incidents. Its removal puts lives at serious risk.
We urgently appeal to the public for any information regarding the perpetrators.
If you are responsible, we strongly urge you to do the right thing and return it immediately.
📞 Contact us on 082 990 5950 with any information.
Your cooperation can help save lives.
"Life-Saving Buoy Stolen from Southport Beach – Help Us Find It”

"Did you know"The establishment of the NSRI was born from a tragic event that saw Simon’s Town teacher Patti Price begin...
01/09/2025

"Did you know"

The establishment of the NSRI was born from a tragic event that saw Simon’s Town teacher Patti Price begin an impassioned letter-writing campaign to various media stating her case for a sea rescue service.

The tragedy occurred offshore of Stilbaai in 1966. Four fishing vessels went out to sea and only one returned. The devastating loss of life captured Patti Price’s attention. She was no stranger to the terror of being out at sea in distress, having been rescued as a child from a wrecked ship in the English Channel by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Patti wanted something like the RNLI for South Africa. The pen proved mighty indeed and her efforts were acknowledged by the Society of Master Mariners of South Africa who started the South African In shore Rescue Service (SAISRS) in 1967.

Patti Price has a special place in the hearts of Sea Rescue volunteers, and is recognised as the founder of the NSRI. Station 10’s Simon’s Town base is named in her honour.

Tonight we said goodbye to a friend, a leader and a mentor. Mel, you have been such a huge part of each and every one of...
28/08/2025

Tonight we said goodbye to a friend, a leader and a mentor. Mel, you have been such a huge part of each and every one of us at Station 20. You’ve been more than just a leader—you’ve been the mom to us all.

Although we are truly saddened to see this chapter with you at base come to an end, we are beyond proud and excited for your next adventure!

You are turning your passion into your career as you join the NSRI Head Office team – and what a milestone it is!

With 10 years of dedicated service to NSRI and serving as a Class 3 Coxswain, you have led with courage, compassion and commitment. And now, you continue to break barriers as another female to join the NSRI Training team – a true trailblazer paving the way for others to follow. We are very, very, very proud!

Your love for people and your unwavering dedication to NSRI has never gone unnoticed. From guidance, encouragement, and endless care, to the way you’ve touched every life at base—you leave behind a legacy that will always remain with us.

We are so thankful that you remain a part of NSRI—even if it’s from a little further away—because your heart and passion for saving lives will always connect us.

We are going to miss you dearly, but you will forever be part of the Station 20 family.

Did you know!• Port side = LEFT side of the boat (when you are facing forward).🔴 Color: Red👉 Easy trick: Port and Left b...
26/08/2025

Did you know!
• Port side = LEFT side of the boat (when you are facing forward).
đź”´ Color: Red
👉 Easy trick: Port and Left both have 4 letters!
• Starboard side = RIGHT side of the boat (when you are facing forward).
🟢 Color: Green
👉 Easy trick: Starboard and Right both share the letter “R”!
đź’ˇ At night, boats use these colors as navigation lights:
• Red light shows on the port (left) side.
• Green light shows on the starboard (right) side.
This helps other vessels know which way your boat is facing and moving, which is important for safety and avoiding collisions.

🌊🚩 Did you know? 🚩🌊At sea, communication can be challenging – especially when radios fail or when vessels don’t speak th...
23/08/2025

🌊🚩 Did you know? 🚩🌊
At sea, communication can be challenging – especially when radios fail or when vessels don’t speak the same language. That’s where International Maritime Signal Flags come in!

Each flag represents a letter of the alphabet (A–Z) or a number (0–9), but they also have special meanings when flown individually. These flags are used worldwide, including by NSRI, to communicate important safety messages quickly and clearly.

âś… Examples:
• 🟥 Flag A (Alpha): "I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed."
• 🟨 Flag O (Oscar): "Man overboard!"
• 🟦 Flag P (Papa): "All crew return to ship."
• ⬜🟥 Flag Q (Quebec): "My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique (clearance to enter port)."

âš“ NSRI crew are trained to recognise these flags because in an emergency, a single flag can save lives.

📍 These flags can be flown individually or in combination to spell out messages – like an alphabet at sea!

Address

Albert Meyer Drive, Shelly Beach
Margate
4265

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NSRI posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to NSRI:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram