Unexpected situations at the beach can turn deadly within moments, especially when it comes to rip currents.

The NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoys, strategically placed along South Africa's coastlines and at inland water bodies, have proven to be life-saving in such scenarios. These buoys are designed to provide emergency flotation to those in need and can be the difference between life and death in critical moments.

One such incident occurred on 26 November 2023 at Kabeljous Beach, where a family outing nearly ended in tragedy. Willemien Fourie and her family were enjoying a stroll when her sister, Patrys, was suddenly swept out to sea by a powerful rip current. What started as a harmless walk in the surf quickly turned into a life-threatening situation.

As Willemien and her family tried to reach Patrys, they too were caught in the current, realising too late the severity of their situation. Fortunately, Willemien’s son, George Jnr, managed to swim back to the shore and alerted nearby bystanders. With the help of the Pink Rescue Buoys and the bravery of four Good Samaritans, the family was saved from a potentially fatal outcome.

In unexpected emergencies like this, quick thinking and the availability of a Pink Rescue Buoy can make all the difference.

Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in a similar situation:

Stay calm and assess the situation: Panic can worsen the situation. Try to remain calm and quickly assess who is in immediate danger.

Use the Pink Rescue Buoy: If someone is struggling in the water, grab the nearest Pink Rescue Buoy. These are easily identifiable by their bright pink colour and should be located on poles along the beach or riverbanks.

Alert others: Always alert bystanders and call for professional help by using the emergency numbers displayed on the buoy’s signage. Remember, throwing the buoy to the person in distress is often safer than attempting a direct rescue.

Act with caution: If you decide to enter the water, take the buoy with you for added flotation. This not only helps the person in distress but also provides you with extra safety.

The NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys are a crucial part of South Africa's National Drowning Prevention Campaign, which began in 2017.

This life-saving initiative relies heavily on corporate and public donations. Each Pink Rescue Buoy costs R1 500, which covers both the buoy and the accompanying sign. Since the project's inception, over 1 700 buoys have been installed nationwide, saving more than 150 lives.

Watch this video to see how a Pink Rescue Buoy was instrumental in saving the life of a man who swept away by waves while fishing:

The success of this initiative is made possible through the cooperation of city councils, municipalities, and local communities.

The bright pink colour of these buoys ensures they are easily visible on the water, aiding both rescuers and those in need. If you see a Pink Rescue Buoy, please remember that it belongs to the NSRI and should be returned to its sign after use.

Public support is essential to continue expanding this vital programme and further enhance water safety across South Africa. You can contribute to the Pink Rescue Buoy project by making a donation or becoming a sponsor. For more information or to report a missing buoy, please contact the NSRI at pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za or call 087 094 9774.

By supporting this initiative, you can directly help save lives and make our waters safer for everyone:

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