Every second counts: how the Plettenberg Bay NSRI Crew reaches a rescue in just 13 minutes

When the air raid siren sounds over Plettenberg Bay, locals know to stop and look out — because Station 14’s Sea Rescue crew is already moving. And within just 13 minutes, they’ll be on the scene.

That kind of speed isn’t luck. It’s the result of rigorous training, precision teamwork, and a community alert system built for urgency.

The Plett station relies on a World War II-era air raid siren, adapted to signal a Code Red. It can be heard across the station and the surrounding area and cuts through any noise or delay.

“The moment the air raid siren sounds, it triggers an immediate and well-coordinated response among our team,” says Station Commander Jaco Kruger. “The crew is trained to act swiftly and efficiently, with members each having a designated role to ensure rapid deployment.”

Within seconds of the siren sounding, crew members receive a parallel alert via their communication system. While some rush to prepare the rescue vessels — warming engines, checking navigation and communication gear — others gear up.

Many crew members can get geared up in about 45 seconds using one-piece stretchable wetsuits and slip-on booties. It’s a detail that may seem small, but when the goal is saving lives, every second matters.

“Our crew trains extensively to achieve such rapid donning of wetsuits,” Kruger explains. “This involves regular practice, streamlined gear, efficient technique, and a team-focused environment that pushes crew members to improve their speed continuously.”

On Sunday evening, 27 April, that training was put to the test. As darkness fell, a small ski boat with five people onboard began sinking in the Keurbooms River Mouth. The people had experienced engine failure, and with the anchor not holding, they were swept out to sea. Three of the adults reportedly could not swim.

JetRIB Eric Stratford and Ray Farnham Rescuer were launched within minutes. The boats reached the sinking craft in time to deploy flares and conduct the rescue in the dark. All five people were brought ashore safely and treated for hypothermia.

Kruger emphasises the importance of speed during every training session.

“Speed is absolutely critical because the faster we respond, the higher the chances of rescuing individuals in distress,” he says. “Conditions can worsen rapidly — currents, weather, or injury severity — so quick action can make the difference between life and death.”

The air raid siren, a legacy technology, remains one of the most valuable parts of the station’s response system.

“It provides an unmistakable, loud signal that an emergency has occurred, prompting immediate action,” Kruger says. “It ensures all crew members are alerted simultaneously, reducing delays caused by relying on individual notification methods.”

The 13-minute response time — and the lives saved that night — are a direct result of that system: a tight, well-drilled team and a community that clears the way when the siren sounds.