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RIP CURRENTS  | Published: 21 January 2026

Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Rip Currents

Every summer, thousands of South Africans head to the coast to enjoy the sea. Yet few realise that one of the ocean’s most dangerous forces can form right where they want to swim. ...

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DROWNING  | Published: 21 January 2026

Ride Hard, Return Safe: NSRI Launches Safety Initiatives for Kiteboarders

Cape Town’s summer coastline is renowned worldwide for its blue waters, consistent winds, and big-air heroics. But beneath the beauty lies the kind of power that commands respect. Following the tragic passing of South African kiteboarder Graham Howes, his family ...

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DROWNING  | Published: 21 January 2026

How a Pink Rescue Buoy Saved a Holiday from Tragedy

On their last day of holiday at Brenton-on-Sea, the van Eck family walked down to the beach for one last, lazy day beside the ocean, unaware of how close they would come to losing everything. By that afternoon, a father ...

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RESCUE OPERATIONS  | Published: 21 January 2026

2025: A Year of Service, Growth and Gratitude

It was a year of courage and impact for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). In 2025, thousands of lives were touched, not only in moments of crisis, but through education, training, and the steady presence of volunteers along South ...

New Moon Spring Tide Alert
LIFEGUARDS  | Published: 19 December 2025

NSRI Advisory: Spring Tide and Coastal Safety Precautions:

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urges beachgoers to exercise caution during the new moon spring tide, which peaks tomorrow, Saturday, 20 December 2025, as it will significantly affect tidal conditions over this weekend. This natural phenomenon occurs when the ...

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WATER SAFETY  | Published: 9 December 2025

NSRI Joins Provincial Partners in Western Cape Summer Readiness for 2025/26 Season

Stellenbosch: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today joined the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre (WCDMC) and key emergency stakeholders at the official launch of the 2025/26 Summer Season Readiness Initiative, a province-wide commitment to ensure coordinated, rapid emergency response ...

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SURVIVAL SWIMMING  | Published: 9 December 2025

AQUA Survival Swimming: Wellington’s lifeguards leading a safer summer

The NSRI’s AQUA Survival Swimming Programme in Wellington is transforming a community’s relationship with water by training municipal lifeguards as survival swimming instructors and equipping local children with the skills to save themselves. ...

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DROWNING  | Published: 19 November 2025

NSRI urges water safety ahead of festive season

As South Africans head into the school holidays and festive season, the NSRI is urging everyone to prioritise safety when in and around water. With more people visiting beaches, rivers, dams, and spending time in pools, vigilance and good habits ...

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RESCUE BASES  | Published: 19 November 2025

Progress continues on ORCs 7 and 8 for NSRI crews

The NSRI fleet is steadily growing stronger as ORCs 7 and 8 move through the final stages of their build, bringing the organisation closer to completing a full renewal of its Class One vessels. ...

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DROWNING  | Published: 19 November 2025

Beyond the coast: inside the NSRI’s inland rescue stations

When people think of the NSRI, images of brave crews battling Cape storms often come to mind. But South Africa’s inland dam stations face a unique set of challenges that are just as demanding. From Gariep Dam to Hartbeespoort, these ...

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