2024: NSRI reflects on a transformative year

The year 2024 marked a period of immense growth and transformation for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

This has set the stage for a fully integrated operational structure to be completed by early 2025. This significant organisational shift has not deterred the NSRI from its mission of saving lives on South African waters, as highlighted by its remarkable performance throughout the festive season and the entire year.

A year of extraordinary operations

In 2024, NSRI teams responded to 1 096 operations, assisting 1 629 people in danger. Of these missions, 51 were distress calls, 340 involved vessels, and 72 included animal rescues. Swiftwater incidents and fire response efforts also featured prominently, with 12 and seven incidents, respectively. Fundraising and advocacy events during the year totalled 328, showcasing the breadth of the NSRI’s activities.

Key rescues included a daring operation by St Francis Bay in January, saving 29 people from a trawler off Shark Point. In June, crews from Port Edward and Shelly Beach conducted a 160-nautical-mile night rescue off the Wild Coast, saving three sailors from a life raft after their yacht sank. Inland stations like Hartbeespoort Dam tackled unique challenges, contributing to firefighting efforts and rescuing recreational users, while stations such as Table Bay and Hout Bay responded to critical fishing trawler incidents with mixed outcomes, including the tragic loss of 11 lives from the Sea Harvest trawler, Lepanto.

Medevac operations were particularly demanding, with Durban and Gqeberha stations playing pivotal roles. Helicopter support, bolstered by improved availability from the South African Air Force, proved vital. However, maintenance and training remain pressing issues.

Pioneering drowning prevention

Survival swimming and water safety education were cornerstones of the NSRI’s efforts in 2024. By November, over 865,000 individuals had benefited from water safety education, and 24,043 people had received survival swimming training – a significant stride in combating the increasing number of drowning-in-progress calls. The expansion of the Pink Rescue Buoy project, which surpassed 200 lives saved, underscored the importance of community stewardship in maintaining these critical resources. Future plans include integrating technology to monitor and safeguard buoy locations.

Lifeguarding achievements and challenges

Despite initial delays in securing contracts, the 2023/24 lifeguarding season saw NSRI lifeguards effectively managing safety at 73 locations across 11 municipalities. Employing over 400 seasonal lifeguards, the organisation faced funding setbacks but maintained service excellence. Looking forward, potential training partnerships in Mauritius and other new contracts will aim to secure financial sustainability.

Reflections and forward planning

Charl Maritz, NSRI Operations Manager, praised the commitment of volunteers and staff alike, highlighting that the resilience and teamwork displayed this year have been inspiring. From daring rescues to strategic technological advances, the NSRI positions itself for an even greater impact in 2025.

Public education remains a vital focus, with accredited first aid and rescue swimmer training set to grow. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the SafeTRX app will continue enhancing safety. At the same time, research collaborations reinforce the NSRI’s advocacy efforts. As leadership rotations bring fresh ideas, the NSRI’s spirit of innovation and community engagement promises to keep South African waters safer for all.