Saving Lives. Changing Lives. Creating Futures. Sea Rescue is the charity that saves lives on South African waters. We also have access to a range of helicopters.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is run by over 1 000 highly skilled, unpaid volunteers who are on standby day and night throughout the year. Donations and sponsorships cover our annual running cost of R73.4m. The volunteers save us a salary bill in excess of R250m per annum. We have 31 bases around the coast; 4 are on inland dams, a fleet of 96 rescue craft, 38 rescue vehicles, 16 quad bikes and 11 tractors. We enjoy a good working relationship with other emergency services and we believe that it is through team effort that lives are saved. The NSRI education arm, called WaterWise Academy, teaches children what to do in an emergency and gives them the confidence to initiate basic bystander CPR while they wait for the ambulance to arrive. The WaterWise Academy targets disadvantaged youth, because statistically they are the most at risk (South African Medical Research Council, 2006). Our technical experts, our auditors and our board of Directors are also all unpaid volunteers. NSRI has an open book policy and our financial statements are available at State Libraries for your convenience. Articles of Association are available on request.
15/10/2025
Bradley Naicker, NSRI Vaal Dam station commander, said: NSRI Vaal Dam station 22 duty crew and NSRI Gauteng station 27 crew, while on alert during a local sailing event at the Vaal Dam, on Sunday, 12 October 2025, were alerted to multiple sailing vessels suddenly and unexpectedly caught in distress during a severe storm that developed at approximately 14h00. The unexpected change in wind direction and increased wind speeds, accompanied by a heavy rain storm and severe lightning, resulted in multiple sailing vessels and sailors requiring assistance.
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.
Sea Rescue demands constant growth, and our training has evolved to meet the highest standards. From humble beginnings to advanced, world-class programmes, we continue raising the bar for safety at sea. Discover how our crews stay prepared for any challenge: https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/09/raising-the-bar-the-evolution-of-nsri-training/
R695 is all it takes to stand a chance to win a brand new car, and that's exactly what happened to Mr Gary Birnie, who has just been drawn as the winner of a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport!
During the Spring high tide it appears that the 10 year old child was sitting on rocks with his brother, age 13, their dad was nearby (they are from Gugulethu, Cape Town), when waves unexpectedly and suddenly swept the 10 year old boy off the rocks into the water. His brother was able to escape from the waves to safety. https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/10/good-samaritans-and-surfer-save-child-swept-off-rocks-at-sea-point/
In honour of Fort Outeniqua and the NSRI Station 15, we present an evening of extraordinary stories and an enduring legacy.
The evening will open with a tribute to Station 15 of the National Sea Rescue Institute, founded over 50 years ago by Ian Hamilton. Ian, who served in leadership until 2018, will share the station’s remarkable origin story and its evolution through the decades. Genl (Rtd) John More, one of the four remaining founding members of the South African Special Forces (est. 1970), will reflect on the formative years of the Special Forces and their indirect ties to Station 15.
For the main event, Douw Steyn, a former Operational Commander in 4 Special Forces Regiment, and co-author of the book Iron Fist from the Sea, will take us on a gripping historical journey through South Africa’s clandestine seaborne operations of the South African Special Forces before and during the Border War. Drawing on exclusive access to previously classified material, Douw will recount daring missions, strategic triumphs, and sobering setbacks, from Cabinda on the West Coast of Africa to Tanzania on the East Coast.
This promises to be an unforgettable evening of insight, reflection, and inspiration.
Station 15 Mossel Bay took to the water for night training on Saturday evening 🌊⚓ Training after dark sharpens our skills and keeps our crew ready for any call, any time of day or night.
This Women’s Month, we also proudly celebrate a historic milestone at NSRI Mossel Bay as we recognize our first two female coxswains—trailblazers who have earned their stripes as rescue skippers through unwavering dedication, skill, and leadership. Their achievement not only marks a significant moment for our station but also inspires the next generation of women in maritime rescue. Their presence on the helm is a powerful reminder that courage and capability know no gender, and we are honoured to stand beside them as they lead the way in saving lives on South African waters.
We celebrate the skill, leadership, and strength of these women who take charge on the water.
Whether they’re leading the crew through challenging operations or keeping crews safe from behind the helm of our rescue vessels, these women lead with confidence, clarity, and strive under pressure. They embody what it means to be responsible for others — making fast paced and decisions, reading conditions, and setting the tone for the entire crew.
In roles that demand precision, authority, and trust, our female leaders remind us that excellence has no gender. Today — and every day — we thank them for showing up, stepping up, and guiding the way forward.
15/08/2025
🌊 Celebrating Our Women on the Frontline – Happy Women’s Month! 🌊
At NSRI Station 15 Mossel Bay, we know that rescue operations aren’t just about the boats on the water – they’re also about the incredible team on shore who keep everything running smoothly.
This Women’s Month, we celebrate and honour our phenomenal controllers and admin ladies.
💻 Our Controllers– the calm, steady voices in the radio room. They manage radio communications, capture essential operational data, and ensure that every detail is logged so our crews can respond safely and effectively.
📋 Our Admin Team– the organisational heartbeat of our station. From managing paperwork to handling operational requirements behind the scenes, they make sure the gears keep turning so we can focus on saving lives.
You are more than just support staff – you are an integral part of every rescue, every safe return, and every success story.
💙 To the women of Station 15 – thank you for your dedication, skill, and heart. We are proud to stand alongside you.
09/08/2025
🇿🇦 Happy National Women's Day from NSRI Station 15 – Mossel Bay 🇿🇦
Today, on National Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the incredible women who form the heart and backbone of NSRI Station 15.
From rescue crew and shore crew, to controllers, coxswains, trainees, and our dedicated admin team — the women of Station 15 are a testament to strength, skill, and service.
Whether braving the ocean in challenging conditions, coordinating rescues from shore, guiding our teams with leadership and precision, or keeping the station running behind the scenes — their contribution is vital and deeply valued.
Every one of these women brings courage, compassion, and commitment to our mission of saving lives on South African waters. 💪🌊
To our women who serve, lead, learn, and support — thank you for the example you set, the lives you touch, and the inspiration you give.
Happy Women’s Day Ladies. Keep making waves that matter. ❤️
07/08/2025
This Women’s Month, we proudly celebrate the incredible young ladies who volunteer their time, courage, and compassion at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). These inspiring women are not only breaking barriers in maritime rescue but also setting a powerful example for the next generation. Whether braving the elements during rescue missions or dedicating hours to training and community education, their strength, resilience, and commitment embody the true spirit of service. Here's to the women making waves—today and every day. 🌊💙
04/08/2025
The women of the NSRI serve with determination, skill and compassion – not to break boundaries, but because they belong here. Women across the organisation, ...
25/07/2025
Our crew are rocking their blue outfits for World Drowning Prevention Day! 🩷
06/05/2025
Those Southern Africa Sunsets 🌅
Address
Mossel Bay Harbour Off Bland Street Mossel Bay 6506
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Sea Rescue is a charity staffed by volunteers who are on call, day and night throughout the year. We have rescue bases along the coast and on inland dams. Our goal is to prevent drowning through education, through preventative measures and through rescue. Year after year we update and improve on our skills and techniques and we continuously investigate new technologies.
OUR MISSION:
Our mission is to be the most admired and trusted rescue organisation in South Africa, inspiring volunteers to join and stay, ensuring that funders are proud to be associated with us and building national pride.
We visit schools around the country teaching children about water safety, what to do in an emergency and how to do bystander CPR. We have built an online training academy for our crew and extended this platform to include free courses for the public as well. Other preventative measures include emergency signage, Pink Rescue Buoys for emergency flotation, rescue swimmers, lifeguards and active patrols during peak seasons.
Our charity is funded through a broad support base where most of our donors are private individuals who
donate an average of R50 a month.
