The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Station 37 in Jeffreys Bay, will host their end of season celebration on January 25 at Lombardini Game Farm, where they will celebrate and recognise the hard work of their volunteers, and share exciting news about their new building project and the highly-anticipated launch of their junior academy.
Elaborating more on their new premises, station commander, Paul van Jaarsveld, said that the new building, which will be located on the plot next to Xclusive Fitness Gym in Diaz Road, does not have a set date of completion since it is a big undertaking, and not an overnight project.
He further said that the “big” move will also be influenced by economic and environmental factors; however they are hoping to see things happen on the project at the end of 2025.
“We are very intentional to get going sooner than later, but also realistic about a project of such magnitude,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He said that there were several reasons why they had decided to move to a new building, which includes a lack of space due to the growth at the station.
In addition, Van Jaarsveld said that their current building is not purpose-built and is not suitable for their needs.
He said that the NSRI also has a policy to buy and own land, so that the long-term sustainability of each station is guaranteed for future generations.
“When you have a vision, you need to repeat it over and over, and tell as many people as possible. We do have preliminary designs, and these are subject to change, but at least we have something to show and to get people excited,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He further said that their main focus, apart from being operational, will be to raise funds for the new building project.
In addition to their new building, another exciting project they are looking forward to this year is the relaunch of their junior academy, an NSRI programme for children between 12 and 16.
Van Jaarsveld said that Kenyon Clegg, a local NSRI alumnus crew member, pioneered the junior academy several years ago, which he believes was the first of its kind within the NSRI organisation.
He said that the academy ran for several years under Clegg’s guidance, with several of their current and past crew members and trainees forming part of the junior academy, including his son Timothy.
While the academy was still operational, Van Jaarsveld said that they were inundated with requests and had a lengthy waiting list of children who were interested in joining.
He said that after some time another one of their crew members, David Pienaar,, ran the junior academy for a while but unfortunately the academy was dissolved at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“In the time leading up to lockdown and afterwards, the academy did not run, and we did not have a suitable person to take over the mantle when David left the station,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He said that since 2020 they have received many enquiries from parents about the academy, and he has often found that the academy has been a popular conversation topic when speaking to people about the NSRI.
Thankfully, he said that after putting out a request to his crew members about a year ago to encourage them to take up the task of relaunching the junior academy, crew member, Surf Rescue Swimmer and father of two, Lesley Zonnekein, volunteered to run the academy in 2024, starting in February.
Van Jaarsveld said that the junior academy adheres to a similar curriculum followed by the fully fledged NSRI crew, and the lifeskills gained through the training programme are very valuable.
“This covers a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to, general seamanship, background and history of the NSRI, first aid and maritime emergency care, local weather patterns and general oceanography, water safety, rescue techniques, navigation, rope work, and caring for and rescuing stranded marine animals,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He said that the only requirements for interested candidates are that they are between the ages of 12 and 16 and that they have a good attitude and commitment.
Van Jaarsveld said that by the time the children turn 16, they will be well-prepared to become NSRI crew members.
“We are using the academy to develop children, and even if they don’t become NSRI crew members they will still gain valuable skills and knowledge that they can use for the rest of their lives,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He further said that a big part of what NSRI does is drowning prevention, and he therefore believes that if they are able to educate children in and around the ocean and water, it will help to raise a new generation that is water-safe.
He said that anyone interested in learning more about the NSRI and their junior academy is welcome to attend their end of season celebration on January 25.
“Everyone is invited, but we also specifically invited parents and children who want to join the junior academy. We have limited space and want to make use of the opportunity to introduce our crew and to enrol them into the academy,” said Van Jaarsveld.
He further said that those who are interested in joining the NSRI as sea or land crew, or coast watchers, are also welcome to attend the function.
Tickets for the event cost R200 for adults and R100 for children, which will include juice, lamb spit, and chicken braai.
Tickets can be purchased on Quicket using the following link: https://bit.ly/37function.
The event will start at 18:00.
