NSRI Survival Swimming Sunshine Coast

22/10/2026

A Week of Life-Saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond 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. To read more incredible stories from the world of the NSRI, visit our news page here: https://www.nsri.org.za/news-stories

22/10/2026

After nearly two decades in the NSRI fleet, the *Spirit of Vodacom* has a new home.

Following a four-month refurbishment in Cape Town, the vessel has made the journey to Station 15 Mossel Bay, where she will now serve as Rescue 15.

With greater range and endurance, her arrival strengthens the station’s ability to respond to incidents along the coastline and further offshore.

After 19 years of answering the call, this is the beginning of her next chapter.

Read the full story of Rescue 15’s journey to Mossel Bay: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/a-new-chapter-for-the-spirit-of-vodacom-rescue-vessel/

21/10/2026

At 14h29, Monday, 19 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were placed on alert to prepare for a maritime medical evacuation operation for 3 male seafarers injured on board a 292-meter bulk carrier motor vessel at anchorage offshore of Richards Bay.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-wednesday-21-october-a-maritime-medical-evacuation-operation-of-2-injured-seafarers/

21/10/2026

🗳️ Our Witbank Dam crew needs your vote!

Volunteer crew at NSRI Station 35 Witbank Dam have been named one of 10 finalists for the People’s Choice Award at the International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards 2026. They are the only South African finalists this year.

The nomination recognises a demanding night rescue. The crew travelled 140 km to reach four people trapped at the edge of the 40-metre Grootdraai Dam spillway. In the dark, in strong winds and fast-flowing water, they adapted as conditions changed and brought all four people to safety.

They now stand alongside nominees from seven countries, including the RNLI, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Coastguard New Zealand, Marine Rescue NSW and China’s Beihai No.1 Rescue Flying Team.

This award isn’t decided by judges. It’s decided by you. 💙

👉 Vote here (it takes less than 20 seconds): surveymonkey.com/r/2026PCAward

Voting closes at midnight on 30 October 2026, and the winner will be announced on 25 November at the IMRF Conference in Saint-Malo, France.

Please vote, share this post and help us show the world what our volunteers do.

20/10/2026

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay on Monday afternoon. The man, on a cycling holiday with his family, is believed to have been caught in rip currents while swimming.

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between…

20/10/2026

On Saturday morning, NSRI Port Nolloth volunteers on a routine training exercise responded when a local mining vessel raised concern for three of her crew who had gone ashore on their RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and had not been heard from. All three were found safe in the harbour.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/mining-vessel-crew-assisted-after-rhib-loses-motor-power/

20/10/2026

55 years of service. Two remarkable NSRI journeys.

In 1971, Pat van Eyssen and Ian Hamilton began their journeys with the NSRI.

Pat was 19 when he joined after being invited to a training session. Ian helped establish what would become Station 15 Mossel Bay, despite having little experience with boats or the sea.

Five and a half decades later, both have seen the NSRI grow from an organisation working with limited resources into a world leader in search and rescue.

Along the way, there have been difficult rescues, lives saved and countless moments that have stayed with them. But for both Pat and Ian, it has always come back to the people and the difference volunteers can make.

55 years on, their commitment remains an extraordinary example of what it means to volunteer.

Read their stories and discover just how far the NSRI has come: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/pat-van-eyssen-and-ian-hamilton-celebrate-55-years-of-service/

19/10/2026

NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following a request for medical assistance from a group of hikers reporting that a female in their group was suffering an injury and unable to continue on the walk.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/injured-hiker-rescued-from-robberg-nature-reserve-by-nsri-plettenberg-bay/

19/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-monday-19-october-a-man-is-missing/

NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing:


Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander, said:

At 17h33, Sunday, 18 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Main Beach, Alkanstrand, Richards Bay.

Reports indicated 2 persons appearing to be in distress in the surf zone, caught in rip currents.

NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle, the SA Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Services and Mounties EMS (Emergency Medical Services) responded.

While responding further eyewitness emergency calls indicated that one man had managed to reach the shore and one man had gone missing in the surf zone.

On arrival on the scene, it was confirmed that one man, age 26, was safely ashore and his friend, age 27, had gone missing after last being seen in distress appearing to be caught in rip currents in the surf zone.

An extensive search has revealed no signs of the missing man.

Police have opened an investigation.

It appears that while swimming the 26 year old may have been caught in rip currents when his friend reportedly tried to assist him but he was then caught in the rip currents.

Paramedics attended to the 26 year old and after being medically assessed he required no further medical care.

Police Search and Rescue are continuing in ongoing search efforts for the missing man.

Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.

NSRI – STATION 19, Richards Bay.NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing: Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander,…

19/10/2026

In swells of up to 5 metres, NSRI Table Bay crew hoisted a seriously injured seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship 12 nautical miles offshore on Saturday, 17 October, bringing him safely back to land and into the care of paramedics.

NSRI Table Bay carried out a maritime medical evacuation of a seriously injured 30-year-old Filipino seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship, 12 nautical…

08/10/2026

These are only some of the Pink Rescue Bouys in the greater Kenton area that is serviced by covered by NSRI .

Where else would you like to see a Pink Rescue Bouy in the general Kenton area?

💗🛟 *WE NEED YOUR HELP* ! 🛟💗

⏰ *TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR YOUR INPUT*!
*
Please suggest a location that is:
👀 Visible
🛟 Accessible
🔒 Relatively safe

📲 *Send your proposal to*
Nan: 083 326 3670
📅 *Before 18 October*

_Final placement decision remains with NSRI._

💗 *Let’s work together to help prevent drowning.*

Brought to you by Kenton Survival Swimming- as part of our drowning prevention programme

03/10/2026

Calling on Kenton-on-sea and Bushmans locals to suggest where additional Pink Rescue Bouys are needed.

Lets work together to help prevent drowning and keep Kenton waterways safer.

For a location for Pink Rescue Bouy to be considered in Sunshine Coast area, it needs to meet the following critera:
* Visible
* Accessible
* Relatively Safe.

WhatsApp your location suggestions to:
083 326 3670
with Refence " NSRI PinkRescue Bouy".

Final decision lies with NSRI

03/10/2026

For those in the NSRI area:
Save this number,
for River or Sea Emergencies
082 990 5971.

Its the quickest way to reach Station11.

Or, if you don't have this number saved,
dial 112 (National Emergencies)

Please share with friends and family,
from Hamburg to Bird Island, along the coast.

Brought to you by NSRI Survival Swimming Kenton-on-sea Drown Prevention Programme

24/09/2026

💗 GOOD NEWS!
KARIEGA SLIPWAY ( KENTON)
PINK RESCUE BUOY - 11PA42 IS BACK!

NSRI Station 11 (Port Alfred) has repaired and put Pink Rescue Buoy 11PA42 back in place at the Kariega Slipway. 🙌

The Pink Rescue Buoy was recently reported missing and was subsequently found to have been vandalised.

The repair and replacement has cost NSRI approximately R2 000.

🚨 HOW TO REPORT A MISSING OR DAMAGED PINK RESCUE BUOY

• 📲 WhatsApp Werner: 079 380 5126
• 📍 Give the location of the Pink Rescue Buoy
• 🔢 Include the pole ID, if possible — e.g. 11PA42

🙏 Please keep an eye out for all Pink Rescue Buoys in our area and help us look after them. They are an important drowning-prevention resource.

💗 Please share and help us prevent drowning.

11/09/2026

🚨💗 KENTON WATER SAFETY UPDATE 🛟

MISSING NSRI PINK RESCUE BUOY – KARIEGA SLIPWAY

NSRI has confirmed that Pink Rescue Buoy 11PA42 was not simply missing– it had been severely vandalised.

The PVC pole and aluminium bracket were broken. NSRI removed the damaged equipment and took it back to Port Alfred for repairs.

🛟 WHY ARE PINK RESCUE BUOYS IMPORTANT?

Pink Rescue Buoys are positioned at key points around our coastline and waterways to provide flotation assistance during a water emergency.

If a Pink Rescue Buoy is missing or damaged when someone needs it, a vital opportunity to prevent a drowning could be lost.

💰 PLEASE HELP US LOOK AFTER THEM

A complete Pink Rescue Buoy set costs approximately R2,000 to replace.

NSRI does not have an unlimited budget for repairing and replacing vandalised or missing equipment. Every buoy that is looked after means that these important emergency resources can remain available when they are needed.

👀 PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR PINK RESCUE BUOYS

If you see a Pink Rescue Buoy that is missing , damaged or has been used, please report it immediately.

📲 WhatsApp NSRI Werner: 079 380 5126

Please include:
📍 Location – e.g. Kariega Slipway
🆔 ID number on the pole – e.g. 11PA42

💗 Please look after our Pink Rescue Buoys and help keep them where they are needed.

🛟 REMEMBER: THROW – DON’T GO! 💗

03/09/2026

🌸🏊‍♀️ SPRING IS HERE! 🌊💗

🙏 THANK YOU KENTON!

We’ve had a fantastic response to our Cozzie Drive from young and old! 🩱🩳

Please KEEP DONATING COZZIES — we are still especially short of BOYS’ BAGGIES. 🩳

📍 Drop donations into the NSRI Donation Box at Mm Coffee

Every cozzie helps children and adults take part in Survival Swimming and learn vital water safety skills. 🛟

📲 More info: WhatsApp Nan 083 326 3670

💗 Together we can help prevent drowning.

23/08/2026

💗🏊 WEEKLY WATER SAFETY TIPS 🌊

Part 2 of 3 – How to Use a PINK RESCUE BOUY

🛟 Top Tips for using a Pink Rescue Buoy in an emergency

1️⃣ 📞 Call for help immediately .
NSRI Emergency : 082 990 5971
National Emergency : 112

2️⃣ 🛟 Throw – Don't Go .
If you cannot swim, do not enter the water. Throw the Pink Rescue Buoy from the shore.

3️⃣ 🏊 Only swim out if you are a strong swimmer and it is safe to do so . Put the strap diagonally over your shoulder and swim out, towing the buoy behind you. Pass or throw the buoy to the person in difficulty while keeping a safe distance. Encourage them to hold onto the buoy and float until help arrives.

4️⃣ 🔄 After the rescue, return the Pink Rescue Buoy to its holder. If it has been used or damaged, please report it.

*Please keep an eye on all the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys (PRBs) in our area . If you notice that a buoy is missing, damaged or has been used, please report it.

To Report a missing PRB in Sunshine Coast area :
📲 WhatsApp Werner: 079 380 5126*

Please include:
📍 1. The location (e.g. Kariega Slipway)
🆔 2. The ID number on the bottom of the pole (e.g. 11PA-15)*

➡️ Part 3 ( Next week) tells you how to report missing or damaged Pink Rescue Buoys and where they are located across our area.

23/08/2026

🌟 THANK YOU, KENTON ! 🌟

🛟 NSRI SURVIVAL SWIMMING – SUNSHINE COAST 💗🏊‍♀️

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Cozzie Drive! 💗

And a SPECIAL THANK YOU to the person who unpacked an entire box of cozzies into the NSRI Donation Box at MM Coffee!👏🩱🩳

Your donations help children and adults take part in Survival Swimming and learn vital water safety skills to help prevent drowning.🌊

📣 PLEASE KEEP COLLECTING & DONATING COZZIES!

Please ask friends & family to donate swimming costumes — especially boys’ cozzies. 🩱🩳

💗 Every cozzie helps someone learn to survive in the water.

📲 More info: WhatsApp Nan 083 326 2670

🙏 Thank you for helping make our communities safer around water.

Please share! 💗

14/08/2026

💗🏊 NSRI SURVIVAL SWIMMING – SUNSHINE COAST🌊
WEEKLY WATER SAFETY TIPS

🩷 Part 3 of 3 – Know Where Your Pink Rescue Buoys Are

Knowing where your nearest Pink Rescue Buoy is before an emergency happens could save valuable time. ( see below for locations )

💗 PLEASE LOOK AFTER OUR PINK RESCUE BUOYS (PRB)

If you see a PRB that is missing, damaged or has been used in SUNSHINE COAST area:
WhatsApp Werner: 079 380 5126
Send:
📍 Location
🆔 ID number on the pole

🩷 Remember: THROW – DON'T GO!
🩷 USE IT. RETURN IT. REPORT IT.

🛟 PINK RESCUE BUOY LOCATIONS:
📍 Cannon Rocks – 2
• Beach Road

📍 Boknes – 2
• Lagoon/Beach Parking Area

📍 Bushmans River – 2
• Slipway – 1
• Lookout – 1

📍 Kenton – 11
• Kariega Slipway – 2
• Sibuya Jetty Slipway – 1
• Lagoon between Slipway & Main Beach – 1
• Main Beach – 3
• Between Main & Middle Beach – 1
• Middle Beach – 1
• Rotary Parking Area – 1
• Shelley Bay – 1

📍 Port Alfred – 15
• East Beach – 2
• East Pier – 2
• Halyards – 1
• West Pier – 4
• 43 Air School – 1
• Wharf Street – 1
• Middle Beach – 1
• Kelly’s Beach – 2
• Salt Vlei – 1
• Flame Lily – 1

🏊🌊 Together, we can help prevent drowning and keep our Sunshine Coast safer. 🩷

07/08/2026

💗🏊 WEEKLY WATER SAFETY TIPS 🌊
Part 2 of 3 – How to Use a Pink Rescue Buoy

🛟 Top Tips for using a Pink Rescue Buoy in an emergency

1️⃣ 📞 Call for help immediately
NSRI Emergency : 082 990 5971
National Emergency : 112

2️⃣ 🛟 Throw – Don't Go.
If you cannot swim, do not enter the water. Throw the Pink Rescue Buoy from the shore.

3️⃣ 🏊 Only swim out if you are a Strong swimmer and it is Safe to do so. Put the strap diagonally over your shoulder and swim out, towing the buoy behind you. Pass or Throw the buoy to the person in difficulty while keeping a safe distance. Encourage them to hold onto the buoy and float until help arrives.

4️⃣ 🔄 After the rescue, return the Pink Rescue Buoy to its holder. If it has been used or damaged, please report it.

Please keep an eye on all the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys (PRBs) in our area. If you notice that a buoy is missing, damaged or has been used, please report it.

To Report a missing PRB :
📲 WhatsApp Werner: 079 380 5126

Please include:
📍 1. The Location (e.g. Kariega Slipway)
🆔 2. The ID number on the bottom of the pole (e.g. 11PA-15)

➡️ Part 3 ( Next week) tells you
How to report missing or damaged Pink Rescue Buoys and where they are Located across our area.