NSRI

30/10/2026

Congratulations to Charles Booysen, our September Photo of the Month winner, for this cracking photograph of a humpback whale breaching in False Bay.

Charles wins a R250 voucher for the NSRI online shop.

Think you have a photo that captures the NSRI, our volunteers, supporters or the places where we operate? Submit your photo for a chance to be featured and win next month’s prize.

Read the competition terms and find out how to enter: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/photo-of-the-month-september-2026/

28/10/2026

Earlier this year, 196 young people began a journey to become stronger water-safety leaders in their communities.

Now, four YeboScouters have taken another step forward, completing an intensive five-day lifeguard readiness programme with the NSRI.

Over five days, they worked through CPR, shallow-water rescues, spinal management and patient recovery, while making significant progress in the water.

But becoming a lifeguard is about more than being a strong swimmer. It is about prevention, awareness, teamwork and knowing how to respond when something goes wrong.

For these four young people, the journey isn't over yet. They will continue training as they work towards their qualifying assessments.

Saving lives, changing lives and creating futures.

Read the full story of their journey here: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/yeboscouters-take-on-lifeguard-training/

27/10/2026

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

26/10/2026

NSRI – STATION 3, Table Bay. STATION 18, Melkbosstrand. STATION 1, VSC (Volunteer Support Centre) training department.

NSRI – Table Bay – Monday, 26 October. A commercial charter vessel assisted:


Davide Del Fante, NSRI Table Bay coxswain, said:

At 18h59, Saturday, 24 October, NSRI Table Bay duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from a local commercial charter vessel, on a sunset cruise, reporting to be taking on water, offshore of Green Point, with 37 passengers, including 7 crew.

Our duty crew responded to our NSRI Table Bay station 3 rescue base while shore controllers responded to get visuals from the shore side.

NSRI Melkbosstrand were placed on alert.

NSRI VSC (Volunteer Support Centre) training department, conducting routine training, dispatched the NSRI rescue craft Colorpress Rescuer.

NSRI Table Bay duty crew launched the NSRI rescue craft DHL Deliverer.

At least 6 local fellow commercial charter boats, in the area at the time, were on hand at the casualty vessel ready to assist if required.

TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Table Bay Port Control put tug vessels on alert to assist if necessary.

On NSRI rescue craft arriving on the scene we found the casualty vessel underway, under her own power, and NSRI rescue craft escorted the vessel to her moorings at the V&A marina in the Port of Table Bay.

Once the casualty vessel was safely moored all passengers disembarked safely without incident and they required no assistance.

NSRI crew joined the casualty vessel crew onboard where 2 NSRI water extrication pumps were deployed and water ingress, in the engine room, was extracted.

After all water was extricated the water inflow was stemmed and no further assistance was required.

The operation was completed at 20h00.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/commercial-sunset-cruise-vessel-escorted-safely-to-marina-after-taking-on-water/

26/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-ganzekraal-monday-26-october-a-father-and-his-son-trapped-on-rocks-offshore-cut-off-from-mainland-by-the-spring-high-tide/

NSRI – Ganzekraal – Monday, 26 October. A father and his son trapped on rocks offshore, cut off from mainland by the Spring high tide:


Junre Marais, NSRI Yzerfontein station commander, said:

At 14h30, Saturday, 24 October, NSRI Yzerfontein duty crew were activated following call to NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) from family reporting that a father and his son were on rocks, offshore at Ganzekraal, and cut off from mainland by the Spring high tide.

The father, age 50, and his son, age 9, from Cape Town, had been fishing from rocks that were easily accessible during the Spring low tide but at the Spring high tide they were cut off from being able to get back to mainland.

Our duty crew responded to our NSRI Yzerfontein station 34 rescue base and we dispatched our rescue vehicle, towing our rescue craft JetRIB Janine.

On arrival Ganzekraal we launched our rescue craft Janine and reached the casualties at a rocky outcrop offshore.

An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed onto the rocks where the father was assisted onto the rescue craft, accompanied by their fishing gear, and he was brought to shore safely.

The NSRI craft returned to the rocks and without incident the son and our rescue swimmer were brought to shore onboard our rescue craft.

Once safely ashore they required no further assistance.

Our rescue craft was recovered at 16h00 and the operation was completed at 17h00.

25/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-ballito-sunday-25-october-a-man-is-missing/

A man believed to be 35 remains missing after being caught in rip currents near the Salmon Bay launch site, Ballito. Search efforts by NSRI and partner…

25/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-wilderness-man-dies-after-drowning-accident-at-leentjiesklip-beach/

A local man has died following a drowning accident at Leentjiesklip Beach, Wilderness, after two fathers went into the water to help their teenage sons…

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/

15/10/2026

Last night’s training at NSRI Station 42 was all about TEAMWORK. 💛🌊

We are a unit, and a unit is only as strong as the people who stand together. Every person matters, every role counts, and every one of us brings something valuable to the team. We learn from one another, support one another, trust one another, and work together towards one common goal.

Teamwork is not about what one person can do, but what we can achieve together. We train together, we grow together, we stand together, and when the call comes, we respond as ONE team. Because out there, we depend on each other. 💛🚤

NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond — We train as we rescue. 💛💙

26/09/2026

Night training has its own challenges at the NSRI. 🌙🌊 When the sun goes down, the conditions change, visibility disappears, and every skill is put to the test. But this is why we train — because when the call comes, there is no waiting for daylight. We train as we rescue. 🚨❤️

09/09/2026

🚤❤️ A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR THE CREW ❤️🚤

Last night, the crew came together to celebrate the first launch of Michelle, our brand-new Jetrib.

There was something incredibly special about watching her take to the water for the very first time. 🌊

The mist came rolling in quickly and visibility disappeared faster than we would have liked, but that didn’t stop us. We all went out together to accompany Michelle on her maiden voyage.

A new vessel, a new chapter, and the same crew spirit that keeps us together. ❤️

Welcome to the team, Michelle.
May you have many safe launches, many successful rescues, and bring our crew home safely every time. 🚤🌊❤️

22/08/2026

Celebrating Jean Garrett

🌸🌸 This Women’s Month, we want to celebrate and honour ALL the incredible women who are part of the Station 42 Kleinmond family. 💙

From our crew and volunteers to the incredible women who support our station and the work we do — each and every one of you matters.

Today, we especially celebrate Jean Garrett — an amazing, incredibly talented woman whose dedication, kindness and passion shine through in everything she does. Her support for our station and the Pink Rescue Buoy Programme, and her commitment as a Pink Buoy Custodian, make a real difference in helping keep our coastline safer. 💗🌊

Jean, thank you for sharing your time, talents and heart with us. You are truly a special part of our Station 42 family. 💙

This Women’s Month, we honour and celebrate every incredible woman who makes a difference — in big ways and small. 🌸

09/08/2026

HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY TO THE WOMEN OF NSRI STATION 42 💙⚓️

Today we celebrate the women who make Station 42 what it is — women with strong hearts, strong characters and an even stronger spirit.

Women who are loyal. Women who care deeply. Women who stand up when things get tough and keep going when others might give up. Women who carry courage quietly, who give without expecting anything in return, and who are always willing to put someone else before themselves.

We may each be different, but what brings us together is something powerful — the kind of character that makes you show up, serve, care and never walk away when someone needs you.

To the women of Station 42:
Never underestimate the strength you carry within you. Your courage inspires, your heart makes a difference, and your presence matters more than you may realise.

Strong women. Strong hearts. Strong character. One incredible Station 42 family. 💙

Happy Women’s Day, ladies.
Keep being exactly who you are. 🌊⚓️💙

24/07/2026

NSRI training is about so much more than fitness

On Wednesday evening, the crew challenged themselves with an ocean swim and a run. Every step and every stroke wasn't just about building strength—it was about building character.

At the NSRI, training teaches us perseverance, discipline, teamwork, respect, humility, and resilience. We don't train because it's easy; we train because one day, someone may be depending on us on the worst day of their life.

Every training session prepares us to stay calm under pressure, trust one another, and be ready when the call comes.

It is a privilege to be part of a team that shares the same values, selfless service, commitment, integrity, humility and compassion. Together, we push each other to be better, knowing that our preparation today could make all the difference tomorrow.

Because when the call comes, it's too late to start preparing, you need to be ready.

16/07/2026

On Monday, 13 July, the Station Commander Schalk Boonzaaier of NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond received a report from a resident of Betty's Bay regarding a successful rescue at Betty's Bay Main Beach.

Three young men, believed to be between 18 and 20 years old, were surfing when they were caught in a rip current. Two managed to break free and return safely to shore, but the third surfer was unable to escape the powerful current and was swept further out to sea.

Without hesitation, his friends ran to the nearest Pink Rescue Buoy, removed it from its post, and one of them swam the buoy out to the surfer in distress. Using the buoy to provide vital flotation and support, the exhausted surfer was safely assisted back to shore.

This incident is yet another powerful reminder of the value of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy Programme. These brightly coloured, strategically placed flotation devices provide immediate lifesaving support during water emergencies and allow members of the public to assist someone in difficulty while significantly reducing the risk to themselves.

With this rescue, the total number of known lives saved through the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy Programme has now reached 263, highlighting the life-saving impact of these flotation devices and the importance of having them readily available at beaches and inland waterways across South Africa.

NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond commends the quick thinking, courage, and decisive actions of the young men involved. Their calm response and correct use of the Pink Rescue Buoy undoubtedly contributed to a successful rescue.

The NSRI encourages all beachgoers to familiarise themselves with the locations of Pink Rescue Buoys at the beaches they visit. In the event of a water emergency:

Call the appropriate emergency services immediately.

Send someone to fetch the nearest Pink Rescue Buoy.

If possible, encourage the person in difficulty to remain calm and hold onto the buoy until help arrives.

NSRI Emergency Numbers
📞 NSRI Station 42 Kleinmond (24-hour): 063 699 2765
📞 NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (24-hour): 087 094 9774
📞 Emergency (Toll-Free): 112

04/07/2026

Congratulations to Andre Botes and Johan Pretoirus on receiving your Coxswain badges on Wednesday.

A Coxswain is not defined by a badge, but by the character behind it.

It is someone who genuinely cares about sea rescue and the lives entrusted to them. Someone with the natural ability to understand the sea, the maturity to remain calm when others cannot, and the judgement to make difficult decisions when every second matters.

A Coxswain leads with humility, inspires confidence through a positive attitude, and possesses the leadership and drive to bring out the very best in their crew. These are qualities that cannot simply be taught—they are earned through dedication, experience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Johan and Andre, this badge represents countless hours of training, sacrifice and perseverance. More importantly, it represents the trust your station has placed in both of you to lead when conditions are at their toughest and when lives depend on sound judgement.

May you always lead with courage, wisdom and humility. May the sea always respect your decisions, your crew always trust your leadership, and may every launch end with everyone returning home safely.: 💙🚤
NSRI

04/07/2026

Certificate of Excellence...

On Wednesday, our station was honoured to receive a Certificate of Excellence.

While it may appear to be just a certificate, to us it represents something far greater. It reflects countless hours of training, the dedication of our volunteers, the unwavering support of our families, and the commitment to answer every call for help—whether on the sea, on our rivers and dams, during floods, or wherever people find themselves in danger.

Water does not distinguish between the ocean, a river in flood, or an inland dam. Every rescue demands preparation, teamwork, courage and compassion. Every time the pager sounds, our crew responds with one purpose: to bring hope to those who need it most.

This recognition belongs to every volunteer who has stood ready, every crew member who has answered the call, every shore crew volunteer, every family who has sacrificed precious time with their loved ones, and every supporter whose generosity makes our work possible.

We are humbled by this recognition, but we know that excellence is not measured by a certificate. It is measured in quiet acts of service, in lives saved, in lives touched, and in the unwavering commitment to be there when our community needs us most.

Thank you to everyone who walks this journey with us.

A Certificate of Excellence is not the end of the journey—it is a reminder to keep striving, to keep serving, and to keep answering the call, wherever it may come.

So Others May Live.

21/06/2026

Winter Solstice Cold Plunge 2026 🌊❄️

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the icy water and took part in yesterday's Solstice plunge. What an incredible turnout despite the cold water! Your enthusiasm, courage, and spirit made the event truly special.

Thank you for showing up, embracing the challenge, and making it a memorable day. We hope you enjoyed every moment and look forward to seeing you again next year! 💙🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🌊