Pink Is for Buoys: FNB Wines2Whales Backs NSRI Water Safety Efforts

When thousands of riders line up for the 2026 FNB Wines2Whales, they will be carrying a message with an important purpose.

Across social media, riders were recently invited to vote for their favourite jersey design inspired by the event's new partnership with the NSRI. More than 800 votes later, a clear favourite emerged: a striking design featuring the words "Pink is for Buoys".

The campaign is aimed at raising water safety awareness and supporting lifesaving initiatives in communities along the race route.

Turning a Ride into Impact

For FNB Wines2Whales, supporting communities has always been part of the event's DNA.

"FNB Wines2Whales has always proudly supported the communities along its route, as well as a range of purpose-driven initiatives," explained Christo Toua, Senior Marketing Manager at Epic Series.

The event has long supported organisations focused on education, community development and environmental conservation. Partnering with the NSRI was therefore a natural extension of that commitment.

"The event passes through both rural and urban communities where increased water safety awareness can make a meaningful difference and ultimately save lives," Christo said. "The NSRI provides a credible and locally relevant platform to extend this impact, turning participation in the event into tangible benefits for the regions it touches."

At the heart of the partnership is drowning prevention. Through its nationwide network of Water Safety Instructors, the NSRI delivers water safety education to schools and communities, equipping children and adults with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

The initiative will also help support the placement of NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys at selected locations. These highly visible flotation devices continue to serve as both a warning and a vital rescue aid where lifeguards may not be present.

Why Riders Get Behind the Cause

Endurance athletes are often motivated by challenge, perseverance and personal growth. According to Christo, those same qualities make purpose-driven initiatives particularly meaningful within the Wines2Whales community.

"Riders value resilience and shared experience," he says. Supporting a cause adds meaning to the journey and becomes an additional source of motivation."

There is also a strong culture of giving back.

"Through its beneficiaries and partnerships, the event provides riders with a clear and credible way to contribute to the communities they ride through."

That impact is significant. Through its various initiatives, community partnerships and beneficiaries, the event generates more than R1 million in value each year.

More Than a Jersey

The enthusiastic response to the jersey campaign suggests riders understand exactly what the partnership represents.

"The response from the community has been incredibly positive," Christo said.

He added that beyond selecting a design, riders embraced the opportunity to become part of something bigger.

"The winning design will be waiting for riders at registration in November, turning the jersey into a visible symbol of the cause."

And that may be the most powerful part of the partnership.

Every rider who pulls on a "Pink is for Buoys" jersey becomes an ambassador for water safety. Every conversation sparked by the design creates another opportunity to raise awareness. And every step taken to improve water safety helps bring the NSRI's mission to more communities.