On Mandela Day, the NSRI's 1 500 volunteers show it is in your hands, every day

This Mandela Day, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is honouring our more than 1 500 volunteers who give their time to keep South Africans safe in and around water, every day of the year.

This Mandela Day, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is honouring our more than 1 500 volunteers who give their time to keep South Africans safe in and around water, every day of the year. 

This year's Nelson Mandela International Day theme, “It Is In Your Hands”, calls on individuals to give 67 minutes of service in honour of the 67 years Mandela devoted to the service of others. For the NSRI's volunteers, that call is answered daily, in ways that go far beyond the dramatic water rescues the organisation is known for.

Behind every rescue is a network of volunteers whose roles are integral to the lives saved every day. 

Shore controllers coordinate operations from land through the night. Pink Rescue Buoy monitors check and maintain buoys along the coastline and near inland waters every week, buoys that have saved hundreds of lives. Rescue swimmers, coxswains and crew are joined by trainers, fundraisers, administrators and educators, all volunteering their time toward the same mission.

NSRI Chief Operating Officer Brett Ayres said, “Every year on Mandela Day, South Africans are asked to give 67 minutes in honour of the 67 years Madiba gave to others. For our 1 500 volunteers, that spirit is demonstrated every day. It is what gets a crew out of bed at 03h00 to launch a rescue craft into a winter storm, what keeps a Pink Rescue Buoy monitor checking a buoy is still in place week after week, and what keeps a shore controller on the radio through a long night. Our volunteers embody the spirit of Mandela Day every single day,” said Brett.
 

“I want to use this Mandela Day to recognise every one of our volunteers. Each of you gives your time because you believe in what the NSRI means to our communities and show up whenever you are needed,” continued Brett. 
 

“I also want to encourage people to consider volunteering for the NSRI. There is a role for everyone. You do not need to be a swimmer to save a life with us. Whether you have an hour a month or a day a week to give, there is a way for you to give it, in your neighbourhood, your town and your country. That is what it means to make every day a Mandela Day,” concluded Brett.

South Africans interested in volunteering for the NSRI can find their nearest rescue station and available roles on the NSRI website HERE.