If you have ever been caught in a rip current, found yourself out of your depth in the sea, been knocked off the rocks by a freak wave, or had your yacht hit a submerged object while at sea, you may be familiar with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). However, many people only have a vague notion of this vital rescue service. But that is far from the full story!
Liezl van der Merwe, public relations guest speaker for the NSRI, will enlighten members and visitors of the University of the Third Age (U3A) Helderberg about the extensive services of this commendable service at the DR Helderberg church in Firmount Road, Somerset West, on Wednesday 6 November at 10:00.
Established in 1966 following the tragic drowning of several fishermen off Still Bay on the southern cape coast, the NSRI has significantly expanded its activities over the years to include many related services. Van der Merwe will discuss the drowning prevention programme and innovations like the pink rescue buoys, survival swimming centres and education programmes. She will also highlight the beach safety cameras, the emergency operations centre (EOC) and the SafeTRX app, which tracks a person on a vessel to narrow the search field in case of an emergency.
The NSRI is a voluntary, non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives by preventing drowning incidents. As of November last year, it operated 49 bases, including coastal stations, inland stations on dams, auxiliary stations, and lifeguard units. Crews are on standby around the clock. Over 1 000 volunteers are equipped with sponsored rescue craft, rescue vehicles, quad bikes, and tractors, and are supported by an operations department at the head office.
The NSRI collaborates closely with other search and rescue organizations, such as 22 Squadron SAAF, the South African Police Service, and the South African Maritime Safety Authority. Its operational statistics for 2023 are impressive: 1 122 call-outs, 1 819 people rescued, and 97 animals rescued. The NSRI also had lifeguards on 72 beaches, provided survival swimming lessons to almost 18 000 people (mainly children), and delivered water safety lessons to over 900 000 individuals.
Van der Merwe, who describes herself as “quite shy”, finds that words flow easily when she speaks about her passions. A lifelong “water baby”, she swam competitively and completed her diving Open Water 1 course at the age of 12. She is also passionate about animals and their well-being. Her affinity for the NSRI is rooted in her belief in its mission, especially the education programmes where she can share information to help people stay safe and understand the dangers associated with water. Rescue stories and the hard work of the volunteers inspire her to be mindful of others and to live an undaunted life with a “seize the day” mentality.
This meeting promises to be enlightening and uplifting, focusing on the goodwill and sacrifices of noble men and women as told by a dedicated young person in service to the broader community.
Members are welcome free of charge; visitors are required to pay R20 at the door.
For enquiries, contact Denise Fourie on 072 211 1173.
