Much like many other NSRI rescue bases, NSRI Station 45 (Strandfontein on the West Coast) had humble beginnings. Much like the start of other stations, Strandfontein was set up after a tragic drowning.
Clive Cerff, who was Strandfontein’s most active and beloved lifeguard, started a lifeguard club after multiple drownings at Strandfontein beach around 1989. His father was one of the first lifeguards in South Africa in what was then, Natal. The lifeguard station itself started out as an army tent in 2007!
Then on 15 December 2019, at the height of the busiest time on the beaches, Clive drowned tragically during one of his many sea swims.
Station commander, Tania Fouche, says: “I’d been in Strandfontein for 12 years, and after Clive passed away, my heart went out to the lifeguards, and I stepped forward to say we must carry on with Clive’s work and keep his legacy alive. The NSRI helped us, and it just went from there. There’s a group of us here, friends of Clive, who’ve always been swimmers. I also had a passion for the rescue work they were doing.”
Tania was elected by the existing crew members to be Station Commander because of her standing with the community. Their vision for Station 45 is simply to be a valuable asset to the fishing community, leisure boats, and recreational sea-goers.
Station 45 Strandfontein is in the Matzikama Municipality (the base location is halfway between Papendorp and Doringbaai on the R262 road), and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of the region’s coastal waters. As part of the broader network of NSRI bases scattered along South Africa’s coastline, Station 45 is dedicated to saving lives, conducting rescue missions, and providing essential services during maritime emergencies. “Our operational scope is assisting in environmental issues, marine life, seafaring and beach issues,” says Shore Controller, Danny Human. “We operate up to 15km along the shore on either side of the base, or from the nearest safe harbour/port, and one nautical mile from shore.”
At Station 45, like at other NSRI bases, the team is comprised of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to maritime safety. These volunteers come from various backgrounds, but all share a common commitment to the wellbeing of their West Coast community. They undergo extensive training in sea rescue, first aid, and emergency medical procedures. Ongoing training sessions and drills are held to ensure the team is always ready to respond swiftly and effectively – often at a moment’s notice, and often braving challenging weather and rough seas.
“The spirit and camaraderie among the crew and volunteers is excellent – we stand together, just like a family,” says Danny. “Station 45 is one of the few bases that is sea rescue and lifeguards combined.” Tania says they keep up morale with regular braais and a home atmosphere.
However, they are a small station – just four active crew, with two more temporarily overseas. They have eight new volunteers who are training, and another two aspiring to join, says Danny. “Cooperation and support from the NSRI Volunteer Support Centre are essential to running a successful base,” says Tania. “And transparency and communication are of utmost importance. Regular meetings with crew members and regular practice and training keep us successful.”
Danny recalls a memorable rescue: “With the flooding in Vredendal on 12 July 2024, we rescued victims from the river, with their pets. We saved 27 human souls and then some: one baby, five children, 21 adults, two cats, three dogs, and a crate full of puppies.”
Beyond rescue operations, Station 45 plays an important role in educating the local community on water safety. Outreach programmes, including school visits and public safety campaigns, help raise awareness about the dangers of the sea and how to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. These initiatives are crucial in a region where fishing and water activities are a way of life for many. “We have water safety lessons with Doringbaai school and for the youth at Doringbaai harbour. The whole community is invited to join,” says Danny.
Station 45 is a pillar of safety and service along South Africa’s West Coast. Through its committed volunteers, rescue equipment, and deep integration with the local community, the base ensures that those who venture into the waters can do so with the reassurance that a professional, well-trained rescue team is always on standby.
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