The NSRI provides an essential rescue service to water users who find themselves in difficulty on South African coastal and inland waters. Manned entirely by volunteer crew we are the only nation-wide service of its kind, operating 24/7 and 365 days of the year.
South Africa has a vast array of water users who, for us, are people first. Each life lost means a family and a community in distress. By saving lives, we change lives and create futures.
Sea Rescue volunteers are on call 24/7. Our 450+ (and growing) bases cover 3 000km of coastline and five inland dams in eight of the nine provinces. We are equipped with surf, inshore and offshore rescue craft and will respond to individuals in distress, and emergencies involving the maritime industry and ocean sports sector.
Through volunteer dedication and manhours spent training in a multitude of rescue scenarios, countless lives have been saved on South African waters.
Help us save lives on South African waters.
Everyone has a part to play in keeping communities safe. You can support our endeavours to save lives on South African waters by:
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on donations, however minimal, to support our water-safety and rescue efforts
The first Offshore Rescue Craft built entirely in South Africa, by South Africans
Swift delegation and teamwork ensured a young family was rescued quickly after their boat capsized near a rocky outcrop near Melkbosstrand.
David Nurick and the West Coast coastwatchers are ready to take on the festive season.
In recent months, Station 37 (Jeffreys Bay) has been involved in a larger than normal number of seal rescues. We find out how volunteers manage the rescues, ask the experts why strandings occur, and advise members of the public what they can do to help.
In addition to the front-of-house members at each station, another pivotal component of the NSRI team is the coastwatchers.
When out on a rescue, a coxswain needs to be able to lead their crew seamlessly and without hesitation.
