A new partnership between the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Scouts South Africa’s Western Cape Region is giving young people a chance to turn training into real-life lifesaving skills — while opening doors to meaningful community service and future careers.
Since February, the programme has introduced 335 volunteer Scout Leaders to water safety, survival swimming, and lifesaving skills during the Western Cape’s Scouting-in-Schools leadership training at the Hawequas Scout Adventure Centre. From this group, 192 participants committed to further NSRI training—a step that transforms exposure into action.
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Keith Burchell, NSRI Honorary Life Governor, reflects on the programme’s impact: “There was a young girl who didn’t want to put her head under water. Ten minutes later, she was swimming. That’s a massive achievement—not just for her, but for what this programme can do.”
The initiative goes beyond swimming skills, teaching participants how to be safe in and around water while equipping them to educate others in their communities.
Opportunities for youth, impact for communities
Tasmin Kriel, Project Manager for Scouting-in-Schools, explains:
“This programme exposes young people to opportunities they’ve never had before. It creates a journey: from learning to swim, to volunteering, and potentially pursuing a career in lifeguarding. At the same time, participants take the knowledge back to their communities, helping prevent drownings.”
Caville Abrahams, NSRI Community Programmes Coordinator, adds: “We’re not just teaching skills—we’re building confidence, creating leadership, and opening doors for the future.”
Real-life impact
For many participants, the benefits are immediate and personal.
Amahle Tshunungwa (20) from George shares: “We weren’t swimmers back home. Now I can keep myself safe and even teach others.”
Mbali Azolibe (20) from Khayelitsha adds: “At first it was scary, but I learned to trust myself. Now I can help someone else in need.”
Looking ahead
The next phase of the programme will see the 192 volunteers continue developing their skills, from water safety presentations in schools to survival swimming instructor and lifeguard training—creating a clear pathway into lifesaving careers.
Burchell reflects on the programme’s bigger picture: “This initiative brings together everything the NSRI stands for: prevention, training, and creating opportunities. Most importantly, it gives young people a future.”
