GEORGE NEWS - As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day on 24 September, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is reflecting on a life-saving legacy stretching back almost 60 years.
What is today a nationwide rescue organisation began with tragedy. In 1966, three fishing boats sank during a storm off Stilbaai, claiming 17 lives.
The disaster prompted Simon’s Town teacher Patti Price to launch a letter-writing campaign calling for a dedicated sea rescue service in South Africa. Price herself had been rescued from a wrecked ship in the English Channel as a child and believed South Africa needed a similar service.
Her campaign led to the establishment of the South African Inshore Rescue Service in 1967, which was later renamed the NSRI.
Today, as it approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, the organisation has 43 active rescue stations across eight provinces. In 2025, its 1 431 operational volunteers responded to 1 069 operations and rescued 1 548 people.
Its work has also expanded far beyond emergency rescues. Water safety education, survival swimming, lifeguarding and the distinctive Pink Rescue Buoy programme all form part of its efforts to prevent drownings.
More than 97% of the NSRI's funding continues to come from private individuals and companies.
During 2025, more than 924 000 people were reached through water safety education and survival swimming programmes. NSRI lifeguards carried out 531 rescues, while Pink Rescue Buoys have been credited with saving more than 260 lives since the initiative began in 2017.
For NSRI CEO Mike Vonk, the organisation's history reflects something worth celebrating on Heritage Day.
“Heritage is not only what we inherit from those who came before us. It is also what we choose to carry forward,” he said.
More than 97% of the NSRI's funding continues to come from private individuals and companies.
“For almost 60 years, people from different communities, professions and backgrounds have come together around one shared purpose: saving lives,” Vonk said. “That spirit of volunteerism and care for one another is an important part of our national heritage.”
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