Coastal Water Rescue

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Coastal Water Rescue

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24 Hour Water Rescue Squad - Based in the Port Elizabeth, comprised of Rescue Swimmers and Land Crews medics, land/boat crew, SAP Reservists, etc.

The East Cape Coastal Water Rescue Squad (formally known as Surf Rescue) was formed 33 years ago as a voluntary organization to respond to drowning incidents in and around the Nelson Mandela Municipal Metropole (sea surf zones, rivers, dams and swimming pools). Through our efforts and with total dedication, numerous people in distress have been saved. We are a unique organisation and being a voluntary organization, we receive no remuneration for these services. The squad is made up of members who are predominately life savers as well as a backup members who bring a different skill set to enhance our rescue capabilities i.e. Within this skill set, individual members have numerous other rescue qualifications and skills across the scope that enhance our rescue capabilities i.e. medics that are swimmers etc.

19/10/2026

Yesterday the squad had its regular training session.

Thank you to Westview School PE for allowing us to use your facilities.

Training ranged from a bit of swimming, rescue work in the pool, refresher on rope knots, and finally back to practicing CPR, a skillset we often need, and one of those skills that you need to keep on practicing.

17/10/2026

The Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated to respond to BWB this morning at 04:44, following reports that a truck had left the road and was in the water below the N2 bridge.

On arrival, it was found that the truck had left the road on the bridge, collided with and gone through the railings, and landed in the river below. Although most of the trailer was under water, the cab was on the roadside next to the river. Metro EMS and Gardmed were on scene and extricated the trapped driver from the cab.

As no water-related assistance was required, the squad stood down from the scene.

20/09/2026

Days like today makes you think summer is here, but we know it is just teasing us for now. Today the squad had a good session at Humewood Beach.

03/09/2026

The Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated on Wednesday, 02 September 2026, at 18:07 to respond to the Port of Ngqura following a report received by the Water Rescue Committee of a truck that had gone over the quay side into the water with the driver still in the cab.

NSRI Station 6 responded with their rescue craft, Rescue 6A, to provide assistance from the water, and Crash Towing was tasked with the recovery of the truck.

On arrival, the first CWR squad members found the truck hanging over the edge of the quay. The front skip, loaded with manganese ore, had come off the trailer and was presumed to be at the bottom of the port; the rear trailer, also loaded with manganese ore, was still on the quay; and the cab was fully submerged at approximately 5 m below the surface. Conditions were too dangerous for swimmers to attempt a free dive to the cab, and port personnel requested that the CWR swimmers remain at the quay side, as there were numerous other rescue personnel and workers continuously close to the water's edge. The truck was hoisted from the water, and the body of the driver was recovered from the water by NSRI Rescue 6A.

The CWR squad stood down from the scene at 01:00 on Thursday, 03 September 2026.

29/08/2026

The Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated on Friday, 28 August 2026, at 15:48 to respond to Sardinia Bay following a report received by the Water Emergency Response Committee of five fishermen swept off the rocks and into the water.

NSRI Station 6 responded with swimmers and their inshore rescue craft, Rescue 6B; Metro EMS responded with EMS rescue vehicles; and the AMS chopper MW7 responded to the scene.

On arrival, CWR and NSRI members immediately went to the reported location, but after a search of the immediate area they were unable to find anybody in distress or in the water. After a comprehensive search of the area, the operation was called off and all services stood down from the scene.

07/08/2026

On Thursday 06 Aug 2026 at 21:29 the Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated to respond to Sidon Street following reports of a person in distress, who was at that time on the dolosse on the water's edge.

On arrival squad members met up with members of the SAPS, the SAPS negotiator was engaging with the person. Squad members prepared to enter the water, while waiting for a signal from the SAPS that help was needed.

The SAPS Dive unit responded and was also standing by, NSRI Station 6 launched their craft Rescue 6A from the harbour, and entered the bay while remaining far enough from the scene, but ready to respond and assist members in the water should the need arise.

The SAPS negotiator was successful and the person in distress was removed from the water's edge and assisted further by members of the SAPS.

26/07/2026

On Saturday 25 July 2026 the Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated at 13:34 to respond to Schoenmakerskop following reports that a fishing kayak had capsized with two casualties on board at the edge of a location known as Nun's Pool, with further reports later that they had made it back onto the kayak, but had capsized again and were in the water.

When the first squad members arrived on scene, they found the casualties on the rocks near the water's edge with the fishing kayak. Squad members and a responding officer from Dark Water Ops assisted them in retrieving the kayak and returning to the parking area. NSRI Station 6 also responded, with their rescue craft patrolling the backline.

Both casualties were in good spirits, although they had sustained some cuts and bruises from the rocks.

24/07/2026

Great moment this morning with the NSRI unveiling the first Pink Rescue Buoy at the North End Lake.

The initiative has been made possible through the sponsorship of the North End Business Cluster, a member cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, whose advocacy was instrumental in bringing the programme to the metro.

Read the full article here:
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/07/first-pink-rescue-buoys-installed-in-nelson-mandela-bay/

09/07/2026

Lighting the way when every second counts.

When darkness falls, the search doesn't stop.

As a 100% volunteer rescue organisation, Coastal Water Rescue Gqeberha is often called upon to assist in night-time search and rescue operations along our coastline and inland waterways.

Having reliable lighting isn't a luxury—it's essential.

A huge thank you to The Bronscor Groupfor their generous donation of Ingco South Africa rechargeable torches and battery packs. These powerful lights will help our volunteers search more safely, more effectively, and ultimately help us save lives when visibility is at its worst.

This donation is more than equipment. It's a commitment to our volunteers and to the communities we serve.

We are incredibly grateful to The Bronscor Group for believing in what we do and for partnering with us to make a real difference.

Together, we're proving that when business and community come together, brighter outcomes are possible.

💙 Thank you for helping us light the way.

28/06/2026

The squad visited the Wildside earlier today for a great training session.

Address

Port Elizabeth
6001

Website

http://www.cwrescue.co.za/

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