The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a completely independent organisation that relies almost entirely on voluntary subscriptions to finance its operations. Nearly R17 million has to be raised each year in order to run the rescue service. Because the NSRI is staffed by volunteer crew, it has been possible to run this service within a relatively small budget. Without the funding essential to run this organisation, it would no longer be possible to respond to emergency calls. Your support — in either time or money — would help us enormously in our role of protecting and saving lives on South African waters. We now have SARS 18A status so your donations are tax-deductable.

	Sea Rescue relies on donations from the public and businesses to meet our annual running costs of R17 million per annum. Donors can rest assured that all funds are spent on the rescue equipment needed by the bases. The rescue crew are all unpaid volunteers and the head office expenses are funded by Platinum Partners. Our financial statements are freely available at any state library for your perusal. All donations (in cash or in kind) will afford the donor BEE points as well as a tax benefit as NSRI has SARS 18A status. For more information call Bill Wells on 021 434 4011 or email theresam@searescue.org.za Cheques can be mailed to: NSRI, PO Box 154, Green Point 8051 Deposits can be made at: ABSA, Heerengracht branch Branch code: 506 009 Account number: 01382480607 Account holder: National Sea Rescue Institute of SA We reluctantly include our bank details on the internet and in the magazine, because we prefer a one on one contact where we can thank our donors personally and ensure that their donation is spent at the rescue base of their choice. If you choose to deposit money, please use your telephone number as a unique reference so that we are able to acknowledge receipt and thank you for your kindness. Each month we have numerous untraceable deposits and it saddens us that we are not able to thank the donor nor give them their tax certificate.

	Not everyone needs to get their feet wet. Being a reactive organisation, we rely heavily on a network of coastwatchers. These are the people who spot flares and take bearing readings; they also keep their eyes on the casualty while we launch our rescue craft. Anyone who has an ocean view is welcome to participate. Call your nearest NSRI base to introduce yourself or contact the head office on (021) 434 4011.

	Sign up with us and you could win R10 000!
	A monthly debit order of R25 means a chance to win five monthly prizes to the value of R10 000 each, as well as entry into the grand annual draw of R100 000. You can't win if you don't enter, so please call Jackie at the NSRI Call Centre on (021) 430 4730. If you would like a consultant to call you, please click here to leave your phone number.
	R10 000 monthly winners: February 2010: Mr M Badenhorst, Constantia Mrs C Nel, Melkbosstrand Mr P Vivian, Table View Mr N Muller, Blackheath Mrs R H Johnston, Tokai

	By giving R475 you could win TWO Pajeros as first prize — TWO Mitsubishi Pajeros valued at more than R900 000! Because the number of tickets are limited to 22 000, you have an excellent chance of winning while helping us to continue saving lives. Each ticket holder can also win a fantastic second prize of a trip for two to Spain, including grand-stand seats to the Spanish Grand Prix and superior three-star beach-resort accommodation. This prize is estimated to be worth more than R55 000. To participate, phone Judith Longmore at the NSRI Call Centre on (021) 430 4744. If you would like a consultant to call you, please click here to leave your phone number. Congratulations to our 2009 Double Pajero campaign finalists The 10 finalists drawn on 3 December 2009 were : Ogilvy Cape Town - Cape Town, represented by Mr J Human Mr N Pillay - Richards Bay Mr M Tyszowiecki - Tyger Valley Mr H Coetzee - East London Mr J Bekker – Eloff Mr P G Barry – Rivonia Ms S Tillyer – Pinelands Mrs Sangster & Bayley – Bergvliet Mr D Davidson - Mossel Bay Mr C Van Rooyen - Meer en See. The final draw took place at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre and the lucky winner of the two Pajeros was Mr Tyszowiecki of Tyger Valley. Ogilvy Cape Town, represented by Mr Human, was the winner of the trip for two to the 2010 Spanish Grand Prix.

	Sea-going and shore-based crew run the rescues along very strict protocols. It is most useful to have new recruits who are familiar with the sea, radio operation, navigation or first aid — but whatever your talent, we can put you to good use. Volunteering is not glamorous work; there is a lot of training and a whole lot of cleaning up involved. It will be six months before you will be ready for a real-life rescue, so if you are thinking Baywatch, then you will have to think again. Team effort is essential. How to become a volunteer.

	Give a lasting gift by leaving a sum of money to your favourite NSRI base in your will. Then please let us know of your intention so that the chaps get a chance to thank you in person. Our bequest officers are also available to give talks to retirement clubs. To join our Lifeboat Circle for retired people, call Margaret on 082 990 5976 or email nsri-marg@iafrica.com. Download the codicil to hand to your attorney for safekeeping with your will.

	Without boats, there are no rescues. We have various boats for the wide range of calls we respond to. Their prices range from R35 000 to R8 million - a substantial donation from a company or family will ensure a lasting gift by naming the boat for the lifespan of its service (around 11 years). Please speak to your local NSRI base or call the head office on (021) 434 4011.

	Your annual membership of R100 goes towards our running costs and you in turn will get free copies of the Sea Rescue magazine. Download the application form here.