JEFFREYS BAY – A recent donation from the Jeffreys Bay Bowls Club to NSRI Station 37, Jeffreys Bay, has highlighted the strong community partnerships that support emergency services in the area.
Representatives of NSRI Station 37 visited the club to accept a contribution of R2,930, raised during the club’s latest competition.
Club President Petro Toerien officially handed over the funds, which will be allocated to essential maintenance and operational costs of the station’s rescue vessels and shore units.
Franco Megannon, Crew Member and Social Media Coordinator at NSRI Station 37, said the donation reflects the spirit of collaboration that enables the volunteer crew to maintain a 24-hour emergency response service.
“We are always incredibly grateful for donations from businesses, clubs, schools and members of the public. It allows us to do what we do best, which is to save lives on South African waters,” said Megannon.
“We appreciate the trust donors place in our organisation and the partnership we have built with our community.”
NSRI Station 37, under Station Commander Kristo Kritzinger, a Class II Coxswain, maintains a 24-hour response capability across an operational area stretching from the Van Staden’s River Mouth to the Kromme River Mouth.
Megannon said that the station responds to a wide range of incidents, including maritime search and rescue operations, medical evacuations from vessels at sea, shore-based emergencies such as near-drownings and injuries on local beaches, and wildlife assistance in coordination with Bayworld and SANCCOB in Gqeberha.
The crew also remains on standby for inland flood relief and works closely with neighbouring stations when required.
“In 2025, Station 37 attended 24 operational callouts. During the December 2025 and January 2026 holiday period alone, the station responded to 12 incidents and was recorded as the busiest NSRI station in the country for the 2025 holiday season,” said Megannon.
He further said that the most frequent operations involve medical evacuations for crew members on commercial chokka fishing vessels and assisting injured beachgoers.
The station also regularly responds to animals in distress. NSRI Station 37 currently has 24 active crew members, nine trainee crew members and 24 coast watchers.
The station currently operates three sea-going vessels and four land-based assets.
While the NSRI Head Office provides essential operational backing, Megannon said that local stations allocate donations to station-specific needs.
“Our current priority is the development of a new, purpose-built rescue base on the property recently acquired near Dolphin Beach,” said Megannon.
“As the station’s responsibilities have grown, our current facilities have reached capacity. The new base will be critical for housing an expanded fleet and improving our response times.”
Megannon further said that beyond the building project, the station has ongoing requirements for fuel, specialised rescue gear and the maintenance of the Pink Rescue Buoy network along the coastline.
He said the recent contribution from the Jeffreys Bay Bowls Club marked the first donation the station has received from the club.
Megannon mentioned that the station enjoys strong support from local organisations, including fundraising initiatives by Jeffreys Bay Primary School, technical fleet support from St Francis Yamaha, annual Jet Ski runs, backing from the Jeffreys Bay Angling Club, and monthly fuel donations from Shell Fountains Mall.
“Community donations are vital. They transform a national organisation into a local service. When the funds come from JBay residents and clubs, it creates a sense of shared ownership over the safety of our coastline,” said Megannon.
He encouraged other clubs and businesses to consider similar partnerships, noting that whether through once-off fundraisers or ongoing supply support, such contributions directly impact the station’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Megannon said that it is important for the public to know that NSRI Station 37 is available 24/7 for any emergency in our marine environment and inland water bodies.
For emergencies, contact 079 916 0390.
He also urges residents and visitors to be properly prepared before heading out by checking the weather and tides and ensuring all gear is in good order. Megannon further said that when people visit the beach, they should only swim at lifeguarded beaches and stay strictly between the flags.
Our volunteer crew is always ready to respond, but public safety begins with individual responsibility and preparedness, said Megannon.
NSRI Station 37 also invited the community to follow their social media pages for updates on activities and events.
