Coastal Water Rescue

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Coastal Water Rescue

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 volu

ntary 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.

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.

21/06/2026

This morning some of our squad members joined the NSRI Station 6 Winter Solstice Dip at Hobie Beach, the water was fresh, but it was a beautiful warm winters morning.

14/06/2026

The Coastal Water Rescue squad had a great training session with the Rescue Croc at Hobie Beach earlier today.

08/06/2026

The Coastal Water Rescue squad responded to Brighton Beach earlier today following reports of a drowning in progress.

First members on scene reported back that the incident was at the old pier, that somebody had jumped from the end of the pier, and that they had a visual of the casualty in the water.

Due to conditions and the distance to the casualty, CWR swimmers were not deployed. Rescue 6A from the NSRI launched and was en route to the scene.

When Rescue 6A arrived on the scene, CWR members directed them to the location via radio, where they recovered the body of an unknown male.

CWR members swam in and, with assistance from SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, retrieved and recovered the body of the deceased back to shore.

03/06/2026

Skills sharpened, teamwork strengthened, ready for what matters.

Sunday’s training at Mangolds Pools saw the Coastal Water Rescue team getting hands-on with the ARK Inflatables Rescue Croc, becoming familiar with its use in rescue situations.

As a volunteer organisation, our strength lies in our team, committed members training together, building trust, camaraderie and preparedness for when it matters.

One team. One purpose. Always ready. Coastal Water Rescue.

Address

Port Elizabeth
6001

Website

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

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