NSRI

07/06/2026

Today, our new intake of candidate trainees took to the water at Marina Martinique for their initial fitness assessments.

Physical fitness and comfort in the water are fundamental requirements for sea rescue operations. This assessment is the first milestone in a demanding training pipeline, ensuring our candidates possess the stamina and swim capabilities necessary to operate safely in high-pressure maritime environments.

Thank you to all the applicants who came out and gave it their all today, showing the determination it takes to join the crew. The journey toward becoming a qualified volunteer has officially begun.

05/06/2026

Trapped on rooftops.
Families stranded for over 30 hours.
Rescue crews navigated freezing floodwaters to reach them. 🌧️

As devastating floods swept across the Western and Eastern Cape, NSRI volunteers worked alongside emergency teams around the clock to bring people to safety, including toddlers, elderly residents and families cut off by rising waters.

Behind every rescue was a crew willing to push through exhaustion and dangerous conditions because giving up was never an option.

To every volunteer, rescuer and emergency worker who stepped forward when communities needed help most, thank you. 💙

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/05/provincial-floods-trigger-major-nsri-response/

03/06/2026

The NSRI is seeking an experienced Team Manager who will be responsible for leading a team of approximately 20 fundraisers, driving revenue growth, and ensuring operational efficiency. This role focuses on driving sales, team motivation, performance management, and coaching. The Team Manager plays a pivotal role in driving target delivery while maintaining a high-energy, supportive, and ethical fundraising environment.

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.

02/06/2026

A Week of Lifesaving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews answer the call to emergencies across South Africa, from our coastlines to inland waters. Here’s a look at some of the rescues, images, and moments from the past week that reflect their courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to saving lives.

29/05/2026

At Rhodes University, many students have never had the chance to learn how to swim, even with a pool on campus.

The NSRI’s Survival Swimming Programme is helping change that, creating a safe space for students to build confidence in the water, often for the very first time.

“I think it’s important to teach adults who can’t swim,” says instructor Carol Mewse. “They’ll pass that confidence on to others.”

For many, the first lesson starts with nerves at the pool’s edge, and ends with small breakthroughs like floating, breathing, and trusting the water.

Rhodes student Hlumisa describes feeling anxious at first, but quickly finding support in a patient, encouraging environment.

“I’ll never forget the smile when someone floats on their own for the first time,” Carol says.

Alongside student lessons, the programme is also training new instructors to expand access across surrounding communities.

With more than 500 students already on the waiting list, the need and impact continues to grow.

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/04/survival-swimming-expands-to-rhodes-university/

27/05/2026

In December 2024, while visiting family in Kuruman, Reagan Gellant received every
parent’s worst call, his nine-year-old son had been involved in a non-fatal drowning
incident at Meiringspoort.

“That’s when I realised how important water safety really is,” he says.
The experience made Reagan think about children in his own community, many
growing up around rivers and dams without swimming or survival skills.
“What if more of them had the skills to survive?” he asked.

He reached out to the NSRI, and together with Community Programmes Coordinator
Caville Abrahams, helped launch the Dysselsdorp Survival Swimming Programme.
Training began in 2025, equipping local community members to teach survival
swimming.

By December 2025, the first facilitators were certified, ordinary residents now helping
protect children in their own town. “Parents keep asking when their children can join,” Reagan says.
“The need is real.”

What began as a personal scare has become a community solution.

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/04/nsri-launches-survival-swimming-programme-in-dysselsdorp/

25/05/2026

When Stuart Harrison reached for a falling glass on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon,
he didn’t expect his day to turn into a medical emergency.
“I was washing glasses when one slipped,” he recalls. “As I grabbed for it, it broke
and went straight into my wrist.”

In seconds, a routine moment became serious. With his phone difficult to unlock due
to a bleeding hand, Stuart knew he needed help fast.
“All I needed was someone to know this had happened,” he says.
One thought came immediately, Station 32, Port Edward.
“I phoned Marlene and Kyle from NSRI,” he says. “They were here almost
immediately.” Within minutes, four NSRI volunteers arrived and stabilised him before rushing him
to hospital, where doctors confirmed the glass had narrowly missed a major artery.

“I was very lucky,” Stuart says. “It could have been much worse.”
Station Commander John Nicholas says responses like this are part of daily life for
Station 32, where volunteers often assist with medical emergencies in a remote area
far from ambulance services.

For Stuart, the experience was simple but powerful:
“It’s reassuring to know that help is that close, and that people will drop everything to
come.”

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/04/kitchen-injury-highlights-nsris-wider-impact/

22/05/2026

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde visited the NSRI Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town on Friday, 22 May, to personally thank the volunteer crews and staff who responded during the recent devastating floods across the province.

NSRI rescue crews worked through freezing conditions and dangerous floodwaters to help bring stranded families to safety in some of the Western Cape’s worst-affected communities.

We thank every volunteer, emergency worker and partner agency involved in this extraordinary response, and our thoughts remain with all those affected as recovery continues.

22/05/2026

Congratulations to Emily Nkoana and Fauzia Salejee, the winners of an NSRIxbound bag each! Thanks to everyone who entered.

22/05/2026

A local efoiler off Mouille Point recently found himself stranded about 2km offshore after his battery ran flat in otherwise perfect conditions.
Instead of attempting a risky swim in, he stayed calm, secured his equipment, and used his waterproof cellphone to send his GPS location to the NSRI via WhatsApp. That single action made all the difference.

With exact coordinates in hand, Station 3 Table Bay was dispatched immediately and was able to locate him quickly and bring him safely back to shore. NSRI says the incident is a strong reminder that simple preparation, a waterproof phone, basic safety gear, and tools like the SafeTRX app, can dramatically improve response times when things go wrong on the water.

Click link to learn more and download the SafeTRX app:
https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/safetrx/

17/05/2026

Applications for the NSRI Station 37 volunteer trainee intake are closing this week.

​This is your final opportunity to apply to join our team. We are looking for mature, settled residents who are permanently based in Jeffreys Bay and are ready to make a serious, long-term commitment to the safety of our coastline.
​Why join the crew?

​Professional-Level Training: Successful applicants will receive comprehensive, high-level training in maritime operations, Search and Rescue (SAR) methodology, and advanced medical care.
​Community Service: You will become part of a disciplined, volunteer-run emergency service dedicated to protecting the people and visitors of Jeffreys Bay.

​If you have the stability, the time, and the drive to maintain a 24-hour response capability, do not miss the deadline.

​How to apply:
Scan the QR code on our flyer or click the link below to complete the application form today.

​Application Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwzdw4312xMO8iX0OuxutU6pV4cuKdD8ZHE5K9mkDIdTiUAQ/viewform?usp=header

​Please note: Accepted applicants will be contacted directly to schedule a formal interview at the station.

16/05/2026

Thank you to all the roleplayers who worked tirelessly to serve our community in the time of need.

12/05/2026

While the Gamtoos River flooded and NSRI crews worked through the night to rescue 49 people, a Kouga couple whose own home was under threat stopped to make soup and bread for the volunteers on the banks.

08/05/2026

At 01h40 on Friday, 8 May, NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and NSRI Oyster Bay duty crew were activated following reports of multiple people and…

08/05/2026

Last night, in the middle of the emergency evacuations along the Gamtoos River, we witnessed an incredible act of selflessness.

Despite their own home being under direct threat from the rising floodwaters, Mr. and Mrs. Hercelman took the time to prepare and deliver a large container of soup and bread to our crew working on the banks.

In a situation where most would understandably be focused entirely on their own safety and property, the Hercelmans chose to look after others. It is this exact spirit,neighbours helping neighbours,that defines the Kouga community and keeps everyone going during these difficult times.

Our thoughts are with the Hercelman family and everyone else currently affected by the flooding.

Thank you for your kindness when it was needed most.

08/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NSRI – STATION 6, Gqeberha. STATION 36, Oyster Bay. STATION 37, Jeffreys Bay. STATION 21, St Francis Bay.

NSRI – Eastern Cape – Friday, 8 May. Mass rescue during flooding:


Ian Gray, NSRI Eastern Cape Regional Manager, said:

At 01h40, Friday, 8 May, NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and NSRI Oyster Bay duty crew were initially activated following reports of multiple persons and animals trapped by rising waters, from heavy rainfalls, at Kingsway Resort, on the Gamtoos River, near Jeffreys Bay.

All crew alerts to NSRI Gqeberha, NSRI Jeffreys Bay, NSRI St Francis Bay and an all crew alert to NSRI Oyster Bay, all stations activated, to begin a coordinated response while the SA Police Services, EC Government Health EMS and Eastern Cape private ambulance services, DRM (Disaster Risk Management), Kouga Municipality, Kouga Fire and Rescue Services, Police divers (WPDS - Water Policing and Diving Services), Police Search and Rescue and Police K9 Search and Rescue, Police Sea Borderline Control, and the Police Air Wing were activated.

Reports suggested at least 40 persons, and animals, trapped by rising waters at the Kingsway Resort and at homes and farmsteads in the neighbouring areas with roadways out of the area flooded and inaccessible.

With the SAWS (SA Weather Services) category 8 orange weather warning in place and heavy rainfalls being experienced over the area - flooding of the Gamtoos River, through the Baviaanskloof valley, across Kouga Dam, through Patensie and down towards the Gamtoos River Mouth, between Jeffreys Bay and Gqeberha. were reported.

The Kouga Dam had reportedly risen from around 40 percent to an estimated 132 percent in 12 hours and Groot Rivier, also reportedly in flood, causing flooding of the Patensie Valley and beyond towards the coast.

NSRI crews, Police and emergency services geared to evacuate the affected persons to safety.

NSRI crew, geared in wet suits, were able to reach approximately 1.6 kilometers from the affected area by road before resorting to wading and swimming along roadways to reach the area in efforts to get an accurate situation report.

3 NSRI rescue jetRIBS, from NSRI Oyster Bay, NSRI Jeffreys Bay and NSRI Gqeberha, were deployed with 15 NSRI rescue swimmers, NSRI CROCS (small floating canoes), along with SARZA (Search and Rescue South Africa), Police divers - with additional CROCS, Kouga Fire and Rescue Services, EMS rescue squads and a multitude of local Good Samaritans (who had come to assist) initiated a coordinated rescue operation.

Between the staging area and the affected resort there were areas of fast flowing water that prevented the CROCS from being used forcing the rescue crews to use the NSRI rescue craft JetRIBS.

The rescue operation was further hampered by farm fences surrounding the area and inaccessible terrain.

Evacuations commenced where NSRI rescue craft JetRIBS were bringing persons and their animals across sections of the flood area, negotiating fast flowing water, at times, shallow and deeper areas, at times, and then transferring "casualties" to the CROCS for further transport to safety - all services involved in the coordinated operation.

During the operation water levels dropped forcing the staging point to be moved.

As daylight presented a Police helicopter joined in the operation - rescuing people at stages while ground rescue operations continued.

Paramedics were checking on the rescued persons as they reached the staging area - no major injuries and no fatalities are reported.

Rescued persons and animals included adults, children, dogs, cats, parrots and some livestock.

During the initial daylight hours a new emergency alarm was raised for a household further upstream where a family were trapped on their roof. The NSRI Oyster Bay and NSRI St Francis Bay rescue vehicles and CROCS, SARZA personnel, Police divers and NSRI rescue swimmers reached the family that was safely evacuated.

During the operation it was estimated that in fact 60 persons were at risk. In total 49 persons (the oldest being 80 and the youngest aged 5) and (as yet undetermined) a number of animals were rescued with at least an additional 15 persons refusing to be relocated.

Assisting during the operation, the N2 Wind Farm Service Station, supplied KFC, Steers, coffees and soups to rescue crews and rescued persons - they are commended for their contribution.

The Kouga Mayor, Kouga Municipality, Fire Chief of Kouga Fire and Rescue Services with the Kouga Fire and Rescue Services team, DRM (Disaster Risk Management), Police stations from around the area, Eastern Cape Police divers (WPDS), Police Search and Rescue, Police K9 Search and Rescue, Police Sea Borderline Control, the Police Air Wing, EC Government Health EMS and the local private ambulance services, local farmers (with their tractors and heavy machinery), locals in 4x4 vehicles, the Wind Farm Service Station and local community Good Samaritans are all commended for coming together to execute the successful rescue operation during the night and during Friday.

Persons and animals displaced are being assisted in a coordinated approach with the Municipality until it is deemed safe to return.

Appeals are made for motorists and the public at large to not try to cross flood waters and to be cautious during heavy rainfall and flooding.

We are appealing to the public to monitor SAWS (South African Weather Services) weather alerts and weather warnings particularly with cold fronts expected over the coming weeks and months.

Thoughts and care are with those affected.

-ENDS-


NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774

RELEASED BY


Craig Lambinon
NSRI COMMUNICATIONS

Email: [email protected] | Cell: +27 (0) 82 380 3800 | nsri.org.za

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

07/05/2026

Headline: Building for the future: 2026 Trainee Intake.

We are pleased to share the recent Kouga Express feature regarding our 2026 recruitment drive.

As highlighted in the article, Station 37 is looking for disciplined, mature individuals who are permanently established in Jeffreys Bay to join our volunteer crew. We are seeking committed residents who want to make a long-term contribution to the safety of our coastline.

If you have the stability, the time, and the drive to serve our community, we invite you to apply.

Apply via the Google Form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwzdw4312xMO8iX0OuxutU6pV4cuKdD8ZHE5K9mkDIdTiUAQ/viewform?usp=header

Accepted applicants will be contacted for a formal interview.