Adverse weather couldn’t dampen the spirit at National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 9’s inaugural Shoreline Dash on Saturday 12 September, where crew members ran alongside Helderberg community members.

But the sea rescue crew were uncertain whether anyone would show up to the event when they woke up that morning.

“When we woke up to howling wind and overcast weather, we honestly wondered if anyone was going to brave the elements and show up,” said deputy station commander Brian Gosling.

But their worries were unfounded. Thirty Helderbergers arrived at Strand Beach ready to battle 29 km/h south-east winds for the community beach run raising funds for the station.

What followed was unlike any typical charity run. As rescue vehicle sirens blasted, participants sprinted from the start line alongside 10 crew members running in full rescue kit, complete with wetsuits and lifejackets. Rescue vessel Rescue 9 Mobile sat at the start line while marshals with Rescue 9 Quad and Rescue 9 Bravo stood ready at turning points.

Supportive angle

“The highlight of the morning was watching the participants dart off from the start line to the blast of our rescue vehicle’s sirens, running right alongside our crew,” said Gosling.

Participants chose between a 4 km or 2 km route. They could run or walk, making the event open to everyone.

But it was the atmosphere that defined the day. Runners stayed after crossing the finish line to cheer on others. The crew walked alongside the final participants, making sure no-one was left behind. Some community members showed up purely to hand-deliver donations and chat with the crew.

“The weather was wild, but the community spirit and support were even stronger,” said Gosling.

Despite only 30 of the 96 registered participants making it, Gosling described the outcome as “outstanding”.

The Shoreline Dash, inspired by Gosling’s annual 10 km run and organised by crew member Nienke de Wet, was designed to bridge the gap between the NSRI and the community. Checkers, San Francisco Spur, Reef and Bean Spoiled supported the event.

Funds raised through the event support Station 9’s daily operations, from equipment and training supplies to resources needed during call-outs and training sessions. “Events like the Shoreline Dash bridge that gap by bringing us together on shore. It creates an intentional space for locals to chat with us, ask questions and build real trust with the team,” said Gosling.

The station is planning more community events to strengthen these ties.