WHO WE ARE
The National Sea Rescue Institute is a volunteer rescue organisation that is on call 24/7. Our mission is to save lives on South African waters. But we’re more than a rescue service. We educate communities and strive to innovate and constantly evolve and extend our water-safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility.
IN THIS SECTION
An overview of our organisation, its history and people.
What the National Sea Rescue Institute does
NSRI is manned by more than 1350 unpaid volunteers at over 50 rescue bases, including satellite or auxiliary stations and inland dams. In addition, more than 20 Lifeguard Units have been established around the country
We mobilise for swift-water and flooding scenarios, fires on vessels, and medical evacuations off ships and coastal clifftops. We assist commercial trawlers and leisure yachts. We activate for fishermen, swimmers, anglers, hikers, paddlers and surfers. Families and communities are impacted emotionally and economically when lives are lost. Through water-safety education and active rescue, we can save lives, change lives and create futures.
Why it works
Our sea-going crew is complemented by a volunteer Lifeguard Unit and Survival Swimming squads, a host of dedicated full-time water-safety personnel, an Emergency Operations Centre situated at our head office, and dedicated fundraisers who are in communication with our donors and supporters. We’re a people’s organisation, constantly innovating and expanding our footprint to serve our communities through preventive services and education.
- Since the organisation started in 1967, we have responded to over 22 900 call-outs that saved 33 900 lives, and assisted 9 651 vessels and 282 animals
- Since our Water Safety lessons began in 2006, we have educated over 3 000 000 people, mainly children, about how to be safe near water and how to safely help those who get into difficulty
- Under the watch of our Lifeguard Unit, zero drowning deaths were reported on the beaches where they were stationed in the 2020 season
Help us save lives on South African waters.
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