NSRI volunteers answer the call during the festive season

For many, the festive season is a time to relax and celebrate with family, but for the dedicated volunteers of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), it’s often one of the busiest times of the year.

As holiday-makers flock to South Africa’s beaches, rivers, and lagoons, NSRI crews remain on standby – ready to respond to emergencies, rescue missions, and sometimes, tragic incidents.

At Station 18 Melkbosstrand, Hein Kohne reflects on a relatively quiet season compared to previous years. “We didn’t really have any fireworks this season,” he shares. “Sadly, we had one fatal drowning on New Year’s Day, which Big Bay Lifesaving assisted us with. We had a capsize with a 4.2-metre rubber duck that needed towing back to the club. Luckily, no one was injured.”

In Wilderness, Station Commander Jonathan Brittan highlights the selfless service of young lifeguards working long hours over the festive period. “The real story probably lies with the young lifeguards, finishing school and being away from their families,” he says. “One of our crew members, Stephan, who is also a lifeguard, found a missing wallet and refused to accept a reward. His integrity led the owner to donate to the NSRI. It’s a feel-good story of someone being an ambassador for our cause.”

Meanwhile, at Station 37, Jeffreys Bay, Christo Kritzinger expresses his deep admiration for the crew’s dedication. “Even though they are on holiday, resting from their day jobs and visiting family, the crew are always willing to respond to calls and maintain the station. The gratitude I have for them is beyond words.” He notes they were fortunate not to have any major incidents on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

At Strandfontein, Station 16 Commander Nicky Whitehead describes a mix of routine and intense moments. “Our big days are Boxing Day and New Year’s Day,” she explains. “We assisted several people struggling in the surf. One incident involved a nine-year-old girl having seizures on the beach without a parent or guardian in sight. Metro EMS stabilised her and transported her for further care. We had no loss of life on our stretch of beach, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. My crew are legends – it’s a passion that keeps them showing up.”

At Station 4 Mykonos, the festive season meant near-daily rescues. Station Commander Nic Stevens recalls, “We averaged one rescue a day, with some days requiring up to four.” The team’s efforts ranged from towing disabled boats to shoreline searches for missing children. He shares a sobering account of a fatal drowning that required a days-long search and a fast start to 2025 with three rescues on New Year’s Day. “Our crew did about 7.8 hours of boat time on that day alone,” Stevens says.

Across all stations, the festive season demands immense sacrifice and commitment from volunteers. Their stories reflect a shared passion for saving lives and a dedication to protecting South Africa’s waters during a time when many are celebrating. As 2025 begins, the NSRI remains vigilant, ready to respond – day or night.