NSRI

05/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NSRI – STATION 19, Richards Bay

NSRI – Richards Bay – Friday, 3 April. A sailing yacht assisted:


Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander, said:

At 14h58, Tuesday, 31 March, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from the skipper of a local sailing yacht requiring a tow to their moorings at Zululand Yacht Club (ZYC).

The yacht was suffering mechanical motor failure.

Our duty crew made their way to our NSRI Richards Bay station 19 rescue base where we launched the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Round Table II and rendezvoused with the sailing yacht in the channel towards ZYC in Richards Bay Harbour.

A towline was established and we towed the casualty yacht to her moorings at ZYC without incident and no further assistance was required.

-ENDS-

About the NSRI:
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.
We are unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations. We envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all.
The NSRI strives to innovate, constantly evolve, and extend our water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility. Our volunteers are on call 24/7 and are reliant on donations and sponsorships.

Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.
NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774

RELEASED BY


Craig Lambinon
NSRI COMMUNICATIONS

Email: communications@searescue.org.za | Cell: +27 (0) 82 380 3800 | nsri.org.za

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a volunteer organisation that saves lives on South African waters through rescue services and water-safety…

04/04/2026

Happy birthday Nikhil! Wishing you a great day!

03/04/2026

Happiest of birthdays Theuns Wilkens!!!

31/03/2026

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is encouraging anyone heading to the coast this Easter weekend to be extra cautious during the upcoming full moon spring tide, which peaks on Thursday, 2 April.

Spring tides bring higher high tides, lower low tides, and stronger currents. This can increase the risk of rip currents, make certain coastal paths inaccessible, and create more hazardous conditions for swimmers, anglers, and hikers.

If you’re planning to spend time near the water:

Swim at beaches with lifeguards and stay between the flags
Be aware of rip currents, especially later in the day
Keep a close eye on children at all times
Avoid alcohol when swimming or near the water
Wear life jackets when boating, paddling, or fishing from rocks

It’s also a good idea to check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.

By taking a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy the coastline safely over the long weekend.

Emergency number: 087 094 9774

30/03/2026

Rescues from the past week around the country

30/03/2026

A Week of Life-saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond to emergencies across the country, from coastlines to inland waters. This is a look at some of the rescues, images, and moments from the past week that demonstrate their courage, skill, and dedication to saving lives.

30/03/2026

A powerful partnership between the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and SCOUTS South Africa’s Western Cape Region is opening real pathways for young people – from learning basic water safety and survival swimming, to volunteering, and ultimately building careers in lifesaving. What began with 335 Scout Leaders at a leadership training camp has already seen 192 step forward to continue their journey with the NSRI, gaining skills that not only keep them safe in the water but also empower them to teach others and serve their communities. Through this structured, phased programme, young people are growing in confidence, overcoming fear, and becoming part of a new generation of lifesavers – helping to prevent drowning, strengthen community safety, and create futures where opportunity and impact go hand in hand.

30/03/2026

Send us your favourite photograph of NSRI people doing what we do and you could win an NSRI shop voucher worth R250!

February 2026’s winner is…

👏 Congratulations to Quentin Botha, Station Commander at Station 3, Table Bay, for his powerful image of Spirit of Day heading out on an early morning medevac alongside the 14m ORC DHL Deliverer.

Think you’ve got the next winning shot?
Submit your photo to news@searescue.org.za before the 25th of the month, and you could be featured next!

View competition terms and conditions: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/02/photo-of-the-month-february-2026/

26/03/2026

When seconds matter, distance makes all the difference. 🌊

The new NSRI satellite station at Fish Hoek means faster beach launches, quicker JetRIB deployment, and reduced response times for emergencies in the area.

Getting there sooner can save a life.

25/03/2026

Wednesday evening training was all about heaving lines out at sea.

NSRI

24/03/2026

It’s more than a car - it’s about a community coming together. When you enter the NSRI Cars4Good competition, you ensure our volunteer rescue crews stay rescue-ready 24/7. Get your ticket today.

24/03/2026

Fast and responsive in big surf.

The 5.5m RIB has long been trusted for inshore rescue and for training coxswains. Now, with thoughtful refinements, it’s ready for the next chapter of service in the NSRI fleet.

Experience shapes every improvement.

23/03/2026

Rescues from around the country this last week

20/03/2026

Style and purpose can sail side by side. 🌊

The NSRI’s lifestyle range isn’t just about looking good, it's about doing good too. Every garment sold helps fund vital protective gear that keeps rescue crews safe.

Wear your support. Wear your impact.

👉 Visit: https://shop.searescue.org.za/ to view the full range and be part of saving lives.

18/03/2026

Wednesday evening training included mooring drills, close quarters maneuvers and helming.

NSRI

18/03/2026

Wildfires test communities and emergency systems alike.

While fire response is not part of the NSRI’s core mandate, volunteers may support local fire services when formally requested and authorised.

Clear boundaries, proper training and disciplined cooperation ensure that help is given safely and responsibly.

16/03/2026

A Week of Life-saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond to emergencies across the country.

16/03/2026

A new boat. A new base. A 40-year vision.

Rescue 4 is the second-last vessel in the NSRI’s ORC fleet rollout, supported by a fully rebuilt Mykonos rescue base designed to withstand the harsh West Coast environment.

Together, they ensure safer launches, stronger capability and lifesaving service for decades ahead.

15/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NSRI – STATION 19, Richards Bay

NSRI – Richards Bay – Sunday, 15 March. A swimmer in distress rescued:


Manie le Roux, NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander, said:

At 07h00, Sunday, 15 March, while NSRI had launched to provide logistics support to a group of jet-skiers we were activated when an NSRI trainee crew person noticed a swimmer in distress in the channel at Pelican Island.

Our NSRI rescue craft JetRIB responded and on arrival on the scene we found an adult male in distress in the water while swimming.

The man was rescued to shore.

He was not injured and after we reunited him with family members he required no further assistance.

Our NSRI trainee is commended for her vigilance - for her noticing a man appearing to be in distress in the water from a distance and swiftly raising the alarm resulting in a life saved.

-ENDS-

About the NSRI:
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.
We are unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations. We envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all.
The NSRI strives to innovate, constantly evolve, and extend our water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility. Our volunteers are on call 24/7 and are reliant on donations and sponsorships.

Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.
NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774

RELEASED BY


Craig Lambinon
NSRI COMMUNICATIONS

Email: communications@searescue.org.za | Cell: +27 (0) 82 380 3800 | nsri.org.za

15/03/2026

We had very special visitors arrive yesterday...

After a long day's travel Station 19 was delighted to host the guys from Coast to Coast 4 Farmers for the night. Click on their link to check them out, follow along their journey and read more about their cause.

After a warm welcome, a tour of our station, a lekker steak at the Zululand Yacht Club and a warm shower, they had a good night's rest before hitting the water this morning at 6am ready to mission on.

Our friendly and dedicated crew escorted them out of the Richards Bay harbour and waved our goodbyes as they tackle the next leg of their journey to Shelly Beach where they'll check in at Station 20.

Thank you for your visit and we wish that the 4 of you reach your destination safely and with great success.

If you need us you know where to find us on the NSRI SafeTrx app!

NSRI

11/03/2026

Wednesday evening training was a full house with all hands on deck.

NSRI

09/03/2026

The past weeks rescues