Celebrating 58 years of courage and commitment: NSRI’s annual awards evening

This month, the NSRI gathered for its 58th Annual Awards Evening and AGM, a heartfelt occasion to honour the extraordinary volunteers and brave individuals who risk their lives daily to keep South African waters safe.

Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of remarkable long service. Howard Godfrey received an award for 55 years of service, one of the longest among any currently active volunteers in the organisation. His journey began in 1966 when he witnessed South Africa’s first-ever helicopter sea rescue. Now serving as a member of the Awards Committee and an Honorary Life Governor, Howard’s commitment has been fuelled by a lifelong love of the sea and a deep sense of community within the NSRI.

Brad Geyser marked 50 years with NSRI. Describing how the organisation changed his life, Brad says, “The sea, the training, the rescue operations and the genuine camaraderie gave me a new perspective on who I was and what I could contribute to saving lives.”

A third long-service award was presented to Rob Stirrat, also for 50 years of service. He recalls starting as a junior crew member when Sea Rescue was still finding its feet. Despite limited resources, the crews always answered the call. “There were no qualifications, proper personal insurance, or counselling, but the task at hand was always achieved with what we had available,” Rob says. He emphasises the importance of hands-on experience to the next generation: “There is nothing better than having that feel for the sea.”

The bravery recognised this year spanned generations and situations. Lodewyk van Rensburg was awarded the Gallantry Silver for leading a harrowing rescue at Grootkrans in April. Battling 50-knot winds and 6-metre waves, Lodewyk and his crew saved a 74-year-old woman with serious head and spinal injuries. Reflecting on the rescue, he admits, “There was a time when I was thinking that I did not make the right decision because it was very, very, very dangerous,” but he knows the risk was justified. “If we did not do it, it would have been a big possibility that she would not have survived… she’s alive and she’s recovering.”

Pieter van Heerden, with Tiaan de Kock, Russell Goodman and Jannes le Roux, received a Gallantry Bronze award for a rescue off Saunders Rocks. “I never failed to be touched by the looks on the faces of those who we rescued,” Pieter says, recalling how he swam out to help casualties despite the harsh conditions. Though NSRI volunteers rarely seek recognition, he admits, “Being recognised feels very special.”

João Eduardo Felizardo, from the Eastern Cape, was honoured with a Gallantry Bronze Award after he and the Station 11 crew rescued a fisherman who was trapped semi-submerged and pinned against rocks and a pier wall. João stresses the importance of teamwork: “This award should be aimed at the power of teamwork and not on any individual.”

The youngest of the awardees, Keegan Lowe, was recognised with the Bravery Bronze for rescuing four teenagers swept out by a rip current on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Keegan recalls, “I watched these four boys get swept out by the rip. I jumped in the water and got two of the guys to the beach. I then grabbed the lifeguard torpedo buoy and jumped back into the water.” He reflects on the award as an honour and a reminder of the rescue. “It’s something that will stay with me forever.”

These stories of courage, commitment and teamwork exemplify the heart of the NSRI. As these volunteers continue to serve, their dedication inspires the next generation to uphold this proud legacy of saving lives at sea.

See all of the winners of the night here.