NSRI

12/11/2026

At 07h08, Monday, 9 November, NSRI Shelly Beach duty crew were activated following a request for medical assistance from a local charter boat.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/nsri-shelly-beach-responds-to-medical-emergency-on-local-charter-boat/

12/11/2026

Twenty years of teaching skills that save lives. And countless lessons that continue to make a difference.

Launched in October 2006 as WaterWise, the NSRI’s Water Safety Education programme has grown into a nationwide drowning-prevention initiative, reaching more than 7.1 million people over the past two decades.

From teaching children to recognise dangers around water to equipping them with practical skills that could save a life, the programme's impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

For Eoudia Erasmus, the NSRI’s first Water Safety Education instructor, the mission remains as important today as it was when she started: helping children stay safe around water and preventing families from experiencing the heartbreak of drowning.

As we celebrate 20 years, we recognise the instructors, volunteers, partners and communities who have helped make these lessons possible.

Here's to continuing the work and reaching even more lives in the years ahead.

Click the link to read full article: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/20-years-of-water-safety-education/

10/11/2026

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

10/11/2026

Glen Preston, NSRI Shelly Beach station commander, said:

At 18h02, Saturday, 7 November, NSRI Shelly Beach duty crew and Police Search and Rescue were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Umzumbe Beach, KZN South Coast.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/nsri-station-20-shelly-beach-umzumbe-a-female-is-sadly-deceased/

10/11/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to stay safe around water.

Through a partnership with the Australian Government, supported by its Direct Aid Program, the NSRI is helping children across Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo develop essential water safety knowledge and practical survival swimming skills.

Between April and August 2026, the initiative reached 26,786 learners through water safety presentations, with 141 children also receiving survival swimming training.

From recognising potential dangers to learning how to float and move towards safety, these are skills that could one day save a life.

Together, we are building a safer relationship with water for the next generation.

Thank you to the Australian Government for helping make this possible.

Click the link to read full article: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/australian-partnership-helps-nsri-bring-lifesaving-water-skills-
to-inland-children/

09/11/2026

NSRI Durban attended to two Medical Evacuation Operations. On Thursday Afternoon, 5 November, NSRI Durban duty crew were alerted by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) to a maritime medical evacuation operation of a 39 year old Chinese male seafarer, with a medical complaint, from a 66 meter fishing vessel approaching towards Durban from deep sea On Friday at 17h30 NSRI Durban duty crew and Faith Med ambulance services attended at our NSRI Durban station 5 rescue base where we launched the NSRI rescue craft Alick Rennie, accompanied by NSRI MEX (Maritime Extrication) crew and Faith Med rescue paramedics.

NSRI Durban attended to two Medical Evacuation Operations.On Thursday Afternoon, 5 November, NSRI Durban duty crew were alerted by MRCC (Maritime Rescue…

08/11/2026

NSRI – Onrus – Sunday, 8 November. A man assisted by a Good Samaritan using an NSRI pink rescue buoy

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/nsri-onrus-sunday-8-november-a-man-assisted-by-a-good-samaritan-using-an-nsri-pink-rescue-buoy/

08/11/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/nsri-richards-bay-sunday-8-november-a-motor-yacht-assisted/

06/11/2026

🍷 R450 000 raised for the NSRI at the 28th Rotary W**e Auction

Last night, 140 guests gathered at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town for the 28th annual Rotary W**e Auction, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Newlands and Table Bay. With auctioneer Andrew Koch leading some spirited bidding on lots from leading South African w**e estates and w**emakers, the evening raised R450 000.

The funds will go towards a new JetRIB for our NSRI Gordons Bay volunteer crew. She is a fast-response inshore and surf rescue craft, and she will make a real difference in the Gordons Bay and Strand area.

“For 28 years your generosity has kept our volunteers well equipped and ready to save lives,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk.

Thank you to the Rotarians of Newlands and Table Bay, the participating w**e estates and w**emakers, Raka W**es, Vriesenhof W**es, XL Events, InHouse AV, Brice&Burnett, the owners of the superyacht Princess Emma, our Gordons Bay crew, Andrew Koch and the Lagoon Beach Hotel. And to every guest who raised a paddle: thank you. 💙



https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/28th-rotary-w**e-auction-raises-r450-000-for-the-nsri/

06/11/2026

We are excited to welcome the start of the 2026 FNB W**es2Whales today as the event’s official charity partner, bringing water safety awareness and drowning prevention to the riders and communities along the race route.

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/11/nsri-celebrates-the-start-of-fnb-w**es2whales-with-water-safety-at-the-heart-of-the-ride/

05/11/2026

🎉 Big celebrations at Station 26 this week! 🎉
👏 Alexandre Flaschner and Jesser Sink-Smith – Congratulations on earning your crew badge! Thank you for putting in all those hard work hours to make it official. Welcome to the crew!
🚤 Jamie Cockayne – Passed the assessment and was promoted to the position of Class 3 Coxswain! Huge congrats, Jamie. We’re wishing you many safe, successful, and rewarding calls ahead.

Thank you for your commitment to serving our community and being a vital part of Station 26! 🛑💪

29/07/2026

Small but mighty! 🚙💨
We’re excited to welcome the newest member of our fleet, thanks to the NSRI Volunteer Support Centre!
Don't let the compact size fool you—this little Suzuki Jimny is built for big missions. Whether it’s negotiating soft sand to reach casualties on the beach or serving as our mobile comms hub to stay connected with our crews out on the water, it’s going to make a massive difference to our operations.
Keep an eye out for us on the sand!

03/05/2026

Our latest Pre-Sea training course was a huge success! 🌊

It was a busy day as our trainee crew (and a few of our seasoned members) took a deep dive into the essentials of maritime basics and safety. After tackling the theory in the classroom, everyone hit the water to put their new skills to the test while simultaneously powering through their fitness assessments. 🏊‍♂️💪

To wrap things up, we hosted a fantastic family braai. It was the perfect opportunity for everyone to dry off, relax, and get to know the faces behind the gear. There’s nothing like good food and great company to build a strong team! 🥩🔥

29/04/2026

Little beats training when the sun is dipping below the horizon on a near perfect evening. 🌅

Yesterday evening, our crew took to the water to sharpen our skills and strengthen our bonds. We focused on the core of everything we do: communication and teamwork. Whether we are navigating the swells or practicing water drills with our rescue tools, being part of a synchronized team is what keeps us—and those we rescue—safe.

There’s no "I" in crew, and last night’s session was a beautiful reminder of that. 🌊🤝

21/04/2026

The first winter storm hit Kommetjie this past training session, bringing a serious dose of cold, wind, and rain! 🌧️🌬️
Weather like this is the perfect backdrop for training. We spent our training diving deep into our assets, heading out into the elements to sharpen our skills in:
• Precision driving 🚜
• 4x4 maneuvers
• Tractor & Quad reversing (not as easy as it looks in the mud!)
Rain or shine, we’re staying ready. 🤘

18/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Caleb Nesbit and Ethan Botha on qualifying as Trainee Class 4 Coxswains, and to James Cockayne and Jeremy Jones on stepping up as our new Trainee Class 3 Coxswains.
Your time and hard work have led to these well-deserved promotions.
This is a milestone in your NSRI journey that you can be very proud of, and we, at Station 26, wish you all the very best as you take on these new responsibilities.