NSRI

03/10/2025

We’re excited to announce the winners of a 65" Smart TV and Fieldbar Hamper in the NSRI SA vs NZ Rugby Giveaway. Congratulations to you both.☺️ A big thank you to everyone else for being part of our competition and for helping us change the score on drowning!

02/10/2025

September’s Photo of the Month, by Geoffrey Garrett Jr., captures the dedication of our rescue teams in action. Every image tells a story of teamwork. 📸 Got a great photo of NSRI people in action? Send it to news@searescue.org.za with Monthly Photo in the subject line, and you could win a R250 NSRI shop voucher. Photos should be over 2MB.

29/09/2025

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.

29/09/2025

NSRI lifeguards, who happened to be at Victoria Bay at the time, conducting pre-Summer season lifeguard training, had been alerted by eye-witnesses reporting a lady appearing to be in distress in shallow surf near to the shoreline.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/tragic-drowning-at-victoria-bay-condolences-to-family-and-friends/

28/09/2025

Police divers (WPDS - Water Policing and Diving Services) are continuing in ongoing search efforts for a local teenager missing at Bakoven.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/teenager-missing-at-bakoven-police-divers-continue-search/

27/09/2025

At 15h25, Friday, 26 September, NSRI St Helena Bay duty crew were activated following reports from WC Government Health EMS West Coast Metro Control of a drowning in progress on the Berg River, near to the Berg River Mouth, at Rooibaai, Laaiplek, Veldrift, on the West Coast.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/teenager-tragically-drowns-in-berg-river-veldrift/

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. 💙

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.

23/09/2025

NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following reports from uShaka Marine World of 2 green turtles needing to be recovered at the Umzimkulu River.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/two-green-turtles-rescued-at-umzimkulu-river/

23/09/2025

NSRI Durban duty crew were activated following reports from TNPA (Transnet National ports Authority) Port of Durban Port Control of a ski-boat capsized offshore of Maydon Wharf with casualty crew reported to be in the water.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/nsri-durban-5-rescued-by-good-samaritans-after-their-boat-capsizes/

23/09/2025

NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were alerted to prepare for a medical evacuation operation from a motor vessel container ship of a 55 year old Indian male seafarer suffering a medical condition.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/nsri-gqeberha-2-medical-evacuation-operations-off-ships-at-sea/

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.

18/09/2025

🎉 We would like to congratulate the following crew on their achievement: 🎉

Wynand Marx and Damien Stolz, for successfully completing their VHF Radio : Short Range Certificate.

⚓ To our senior crew who completed their Maritime Emergency Care recurrence training, thank you for keeping your skills sharp and up to date:
Pete O’Hanlon, Wynand Roets, Elisma Groenewald, Nathan Van De Werken, Deanne Huddy, Nardo Groenewald, Tayden Groenewald, and our Station Commander Rowan Marais.

🌊 And to our trainee crew who earned their Maritime Emergency Care certifications, this is a big step forward on the journey in achieving your crew badge:
Chanté Ford, Ryan Ventura, Naomi Scheepers.

We commend all our crew. Your hard work and passion for learning continue to strengthen Station 18 and ensure we’re always ready when needed.

05/09/2025

The 27th Annual Rotary Wine Auction, held on Thursday, 4 September at The Westin Cape Town, raised a record of over R500,000 for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), underscoring a partnership with Rotary that has supported the NSRI for nearly three decades.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/27th-annual-rotary-wine-auction-raises-crucial-funds-for-the-nsri/

03/09/2025

* THIS PAST WEEKEND *

Our crew participated in the practice run for this weekend, 6th September 2025 NSRI Melkbosstrand 4x4 Family Day, in association with Mitsubishi Motors SA.
The Koeberg Nature Reserve trails look fantastic and promises to be a wonderful day out. We are excited to be part of it and look forward to meeting you and your families and making it a memorable annual event.

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/

28/08/2025

25/08/2025

🚨This Past Weekend🚨

Our crew rolled up their sleeves for some serious theory training 🗺.
From chart work to plotting drift patterns, they tackled the calculations that help us locate a person or object in the water, factoring in wind, currents, and drift.

These skills form the backbone of every rescue operation. It’s not just about being out at sea, but about understanding the science and precision behind search patterns and navigation.

The crew work hard at sharpening these vital skills, because when every second counts, preparation makes all the difference.

19/08/2025

It is time for the 27th Rotary Wine Auction in aid of the NSRI. Join us for an evening of great company and fine wine on auction, hosted at The Westin Cape Town. Cost is R520 per person or R5000 per table of 10 (includes welcome drink, three-course meal and auction) Proceeds from this event will fund the new engines for Rotary's Gift our 6.5m RIB.
Tickets are available here: https://shop.searescue.org.za/products/27th-annual-rotary-wine-auction-in-support-of-the-nsri

13/08/2025

🎉🏆 A Night of Proud Achievements at Station 18 Melkbosstrand 🏆🚤
It’s always an honor for the whole station when one of our own reaches their goals and earns their crew badge. These badges aren’t just for show, they represent months (and often years) of dedication, training, and perseverance.

We celebrated the following crew members’ incredible milestones on Monday night:

Nardo Groenewald -- Shore Controller Badge
Alex Arnott -- Crew Badge

What makes this moment even more special is the deep family ties behind the achievements:

Nardo is part of a tri-family crew, with his wife Elisma and son Tayden also serving at Station 18.

Alex’s father, Alistair, and his brother, Josh, are also qualified crew members.

Well done, Nardo and Alex, your dedication inspires us all.

With skills, training, and strong leadership as our foundation, we’re able to do what we do best.

13/08/2025

🚤 A Big Milestone for Shaun Smith 🎉

On Monday evening, Station 18 Melkbosstrand proudly celebrated Shaun Smith achieving his Class 4 Coxswain Badge. This is a significant step in his NSRI journey.

Earning this badge takes commitment, countless training hours, and the ability to lead a crew with skill and confidence.

Shaun’s accomplishment was made even more special with his family present to share in the proud moment.

Well done, Shaun! We’re proud to have you at the helm, and we thank you for your dedication. 💛

05/08/2025

🎪 Exhibitor Stands Now Open! 🎪

Join us at the NSRI Melkbosstrand 4x4 Family Day in association with Mitsubishi Motors SA happening on 6 September 2025
The annual NSRI Melkbosstrand 4x4 Day in association with Mitsubishi Motors is taking place on 6 September at Koeberg Nature Reserve.

Join us as an exhibitor at this day and introduce participants to your outdoor and 4x4 products and services.
Event details:
Date: 6 September 2025
Exhibitor setup: 07h00 (first participating group arrives at 07h30)
Exhibition space: 3x3m (outdoors) Gazebo with 2 feather banners attached.
Cost: R750 per gazebo
Once your exhibition space has been confirmed, you will receive more exciting information about the day and the event
Before booking, you could make contact directly for detailed discussion.

Please feel free to contact me and let's make it a day to remember !
WhatsApp 0797273632
Email: fundraising18@searescue.org.za

👇
Exhibit at the NSRI Melkbosstrand 4x4 Day 2025
https://shop.searescue.org.za/products/exhibit-at-the-nsri-melkbosstrand-4x4-day-2025

Book your place for NSRI Melkbosstrand 4x4 Day 2025
https://shop.searescue.org.za/products/book-your-place-in-for-the-nsri-melkbosstrand-4x4-day-2025