In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the coastal community of Melkbosstrand and surrounds, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has announced the discontinuation of the long-standing Melkbosstrand Lifeguard Programme.
For years, the programme has stood as a symbol of safety and vigilance along the shores, providing a crucial layer of protection for beachgoers and surf enthusiasts.
However, NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon wants to assure the community that the beach is not without lifeguards. “There is no concern. There are lifeguards on duty on that beach. The NSRI volunteer lifeguards were simply an additional deployment,” he told TygerBurger.
He explains that this decision comes because there are already sufficient lifeguards deployed by the City of Cape Town and by Western Province Lifeguards protecting that beach and the neighbouring beaches.
“Also with the Blouberg Surf Lifesaving Lifeguards and with the NSRI rescue base being so close, and in December we fast-respond anyway,” he says.
Amanda Liebenberg from Milnerton says she prefers to visit Melkbosstrand Beach due to the pollution at Milnerton Beach. “I’m sure that most locals are stunned by this news, but it’s also good to know that the beach is still protected by other lifeguards,” she says.
‘Lack of interest’
The NSRI Melkbosstrand made the news public through a Facebook post which Lambinon says was simply to alert the locals.
“The NSRI had deployed lifeguards in previous years simply as an additional deployment but it’s very much unnecessary because of the protection that’s already been delivered to those beaches. It’s not an issue at all,” he says.
However, the Melkbosstrand NSRI responded that there is a lack of interest from local youth to make the lifeguard programme viable.
Rhine Barnes, chair of the Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch (MNHW), who was also involved at the Melkbosstrand NSRI, says the City-paid lifeguards are still on duty seven days a week throughout the season.
“Only the NSRI Volunteer lifeguard programme is closing as there is no longer a need for volunteers. The NSRI Rescue Station remains unaffected and continues to serve the coast and our waters. Also, note that this decision does not impact the Blue Flag status in any way. Those wanting to train as lifeguards are encouraged to join the Big Bay Lifesaving Club, whereas the NSRI are still recruiting Rescue Crew as always,” he told TygerBurger.
Water safety
The NSRI says water safety still remains vital and their focus is on teaching people throughout South Africa to be safe in and around water, especially those who are most vulnerable, being children under 14 years.
“The need for Water Safety Education is obvious if we consider the drowning statistics in our country. Rural underserved communities in particular are vulnerable to drownings in farm dams, rivers and streams. Without formal swimming skills people too often find themselves in trouble. The NSRI’s programme presents an effective Water Safety curriculum to create awareness about the dangers of water, what to do if someone gets into trouble, how to help a friend in need, how to perform bystander CPR and who to call for help,” the NSRI says.
Today the NSRI has 21 full-time instructors who visit schools and clubs around the country and teach people about water-safety issues – using colourful teaching materials and a mannequin to demonstrate bystander CPR.
The lessons are designed to fit into a normal school schedule, are presented in a fun and interactive way, are age-appropriate.
For more information visit the NSRI’s website via https://www.nsri.org.za
