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/

18/10/2026

The NSRI’s new rescue vessel, Spirit of Shoprite Sixty60, was blessed and named at Club Mykonos, honouring loved ones and lifesaving partnerships.

17/10/2026

A gift celebrating a couple’s wedding anniversary. A tribute to a mother who quietly supported sea rescue. A husband’s thank you to the wife who helped…

15/10/2026

08/09/2026

Stadiums aren't the only ones getting flyovers! Station 4 and 44 recently had the privilege of joining a C130 from 28 squadron for a search and rescue exercise out to sea.
And what an awesome experience it was!

28/08/2026

Ready to make a real difference? Volunteer with NSRI Station 4 Mykonos and help save lives. 🌊

Whether you’re on the water, on the shore or working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in our crew. You’ll learn valuable new skills, work alongside an incredible team and become part of something truly life-saving.

To apply, send a motivation letter to [email protected].

This is a volunteer role and is unpaid.

15/08/2026

On Friday, 14 August, the NSRI hosted its 59th Annual Awards Evening and AGM at Club Mykonos in Langebaan. The evening paid tribute to our dedicated volunteers and courageous individuals who risk their lives to save others on South African waters. It was a celebration of their unwavering commitment and remarkable bravery, recognising the vital role they play in safeguarding lives at sea.
See all of the winners here: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/08/nsri-agm-2026/

31/07/2026

Congratulations Aidan Skinner for qualifying as seagoing crew! All the hard work and dedication has paid off!

04/07/2026

25/06/2026

After years of planning, fundraising and hard work, there was a moment of silence as Rescue 4 finally entered her new home for the very first time. ⚓💙

For the volunteers at NSRI Station 4, Mykonos, this wasn’t just about a rescue boat; it was about every life that would one day be saved because of it.

And aboard Rescue 4 are the names of loved ones honoured through the Celebrate a Life campaign, making this vessel deeply personal for the families and crew connected to her mission.

Because behind every rescue craft is a story of people coming together to protect lives at sea.

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/05/rescue-4s-major-milestone-and-the-names-behind-it/

22/06/2026

Thank you! Its always a pleasure helping out!