Open day at local NSRI

GEORGE NEWS - NSRI Station 23 Wilderness, is hosting a crew recruitment open day at 09:00 this coming Sunday, 13 March.

"If you are looking to do something amazing and adventurous and be part of a team, then join us," said station commander Mike Vonk.

"This is an opportunity for all those who would to like volunteer their time to saving lives on our waters, to come and chat to the team and find out more."

The team consists of an incredibly diverse volunteer group which includes builders, mechanics, sales representatives, environmental consultants, farmers, teachers, accountants, students and self-employed business owners.

The task of saving lives, for a volunteer, can however be treacherous. The winters are mostly cold, wet and windy, but brave volunteers, with the very best equipment and correct gear to safely carry out their duties, head out in foul weather regardless.

No prior experience is required to join and volunteers will be given all the training required. Training is done after hours in the evenings or on weekends. Standby for rescues is a 24/7 commitment.

"Our rescue crew practise every manoeuvre until it is second nature. Volunteering is not glamorous work. There is a lot of training and a whole lot of cleaning up involved," said Vonk.

In return however, volunteers experience an amazing sense of achievement, teamwork and camaraderie. "We measure our success by the outcome of our efforts - the people and animals we save, the children we educate and skill, the volunteers we train and the lives we save and change. The families who support our volunteers are equally important and we welcome families to become part."

The NSRI regularly work hand-in-hand with other emergency rescue organisations like Air Mercy Services.

Station 23 Wilderness continues to be one of the leading surf rescue stations in the country. They currently have 14 qualified coxswains on their team who can launch a rescue vessel to respond to emergencies.

The open day will be hosted at the station and those who want to join must bring running shoes, a swimming costume and comfortable training clothes.

For more information please send an e-mail to station23@searescue.org.za or phone Vonk on 079 976 3833.No prior experience is required to join and volunteers will be given all the training required.