Following one of its busiest festive seasons on record, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has launched Cars4Good 2026, a nationwide fundraising campaign in partnership with Suzuki Auto South Africa, aimed at strengthening rescue readiness and preventing drowning across the country.
Between 15 December 2025 and 15 January 2026, NSRI volunteers rescued 201 people, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period last year. National callouts rose by 32.5%, while the most alarming figure was a 117% spike in “Drowning in Progress” incidents — emergencies requiring immediate, life-or-death responses. These incidents increased from 18 to 39 year on year.
A crisis turned into a call for action
The sharp rise in rescues comes against a sobering backdrop: more than 1 000 people drown every year in South Africa, many of them children. Cars4Good 2026 aims to turn this reality into action by mobilising public support for the NSRI’s rescue and prevention work.
“This is more than a fundraising drive,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk. “It’s a campaign that represents who we are: practical, accountable, and deeply committed to saving lives. Behind every rescue is a family waiting for someone to come home.”
Four Jimnys, four missions, one cause
At the heart of the campaign is a striking partnership with Suzuki Auto South Africa. Four specially wrapped Suzuki Jimny 5-doors are touring the country, each representing a key pillar of the NSRI’s work:
- Blue Jimny – Showcasing the whale disentanglement unit, which rescued 70 marine animals in 2025.
- Red Jimny – Representing 1 069 rescue operations in 2025, saving 1 548 lives.
- Yellow Jimny – Celebrating NSRI lifeguards at 55 beaches, preventing emergencies before they occur.
- Pink Jimny – Highlighting the Pink Rescue Buoy project, credited with saving over 251 lives since 2017.
“These Jimnys are fun, eye-catching and different — just like the NSRI’s approach to turning everyday South Africans into lifesavers,” said Dirk Coetzee, NSRI business development manager.
Each vehicle features a QR code linking directly to the campaign, making it easy for members of the public to get involved wherever they spot the cars.
How Cars4Good 2026 works
Cars4Good 2026 tickets cost R695, with only 45 000 tickets available. Each ticket enters supporters into four draws throughout the year, with the chance to win one of four Suzuki Jimny 5-doors, each valued at R465 900.
Funds raised will support the NSRI’s core services, including:
- Water safety education – Over 900 000 lessons delivered in 2025.
- Survival swimming – More than 25 000 children trained in basic water survival skills.
- Training and rescue equipment – For the NSRI’s 1 500-strong volunteer crew.
Built on trust and transparency
The NSRI said the campaign is conducted under the oversight of the National Lotteries Commission, ensuring integrity and transparency.
“We deeply value public trust,” said Alison Young, NSRI head of performance marketing. “The Commission’s guidance helps ensure Cars4Good is run fairly and responsibly.”
Suzuki Auto South Africa also highlighted the importance of the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with the NSRI,” said Brendon Carpenter, Suzuki brand marketing manager. “This collaboration allows our brand and customers to make a tangible difference in life-saving efforts.”
For more information or to enter Cars4Good 2026, visit www.nsri.org.za/support-us/nsri-car-2026
