Celebrating 205 lives saved: The Pink Rescue Buoy initiative's remarkable impact

Since its launch in 2017, the National Sea Rescue Institute's (NSRI) Pink Rescue Buoy initiative has become a cornerstone of water safety in South Africa.

Designed to help bystanders assist in drowning emergencies, the distinctive pink buoys have contributed to 205 known rescues to date, with no reported harm to rescuers. This milestone underscores the life-saving potential of community-driven water safety efforts.

A recent rescue

One of the recent success stories highlights the initiative's impact. On Sunday, 1 December, a 20-year-old male was in distress at West Beach, Port Alfred. The local beach manager attempted to throw a Pink Rescue Buoy to the man but it fell short of reaching him. Nearby Good Samaritan Edward Gutsche, equipped with bodyboarding flippers, grabbed the buoy and swam out to assist. Gutsche used the buoy to keep the man afloat before safely towing him back to shore. This marks Gutsche's second Pink Rescue Buoy-assisted rescue, earning him praise for his bravery and quick thinking.

Such stories exemplify the effectiveness of the Pink Rescue Buoy initiative, which reflects a comprehensive approach to reducing drowning risks alongside the NSRI's Water Safety Education and Survival Swimming programmes. This initiative not only saves lives but also fosters a culture of shared responsibility for water safety within communities.

Technical innovations

As the initiative expands, the NSRI is incorporating innovative technology to enhance its efficiency. Station 2 Bakoven volunteer Jason Kampel has spearheaded the development of a system that uses ArUco Markers to track the presence of Pink Rescue Buoys at their posts. This innovation is integrated with the NSRI's existing Beach Safety Camera network, providing real-time alerts when buoys are removed.

"The idea came about when we started working with Canadian analytics provider Aidant," Kampel explains. "They demonstrated a technology that could detect the presence or absence of ArUco Markers in specific positions. I immediately saw this as a cost-effective way to monitor the Pink Rescue Buoys—something we've been exploring for a while."

The system uses video analytics software on specialised Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras to detect machine-readable ArUco markers placed behind each buoy. If a marker becomes visible, the system interprets the buoy as missing. It triggers an alert via email, management systems, or Telegram groups. Kampel describes it as a shift from reactive to proactive monitoring, streamlining operations and allowing operators to focus on urgent alarms rather than manual checks.

Scaling the system and positioning the markers for optimal camera visibility pose initial challenges. However, the technology promises to revolutionise beach safety. "It provides automatic, near real-time alerts when Pink Rescue Buoys are removed, signaling a rescue is imminent, or someone is in difficulty in that area," says Kampel.

The NSRI's Pink Rescue Buoy initiative exemplifies the power of innovation and community action in saving lives. With the addition of ArUco Marker technology, this life-saving project is set to become even more effective, ensuring South African beaches are safer for everyone.