GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - NSRI station 23 in Wilderness has welcomed Jonathan Britton to the helm as the new station commander. Britton will never forget walking up the stairs at Station 23 for the first time 12 years ago.

"Who would have thought back then, that this is where I would end up?" he said with a wry smile, adding that it was both a massive honour and a massive responsibility. 

"The station commanders at Sea Rescue are elected by the crew. It's a democratic process, and very humbling that the crew have entrusted me with this role."

The term 'station commander' evokes status and authority, and while Britton agrees that that is a part of the job, he really sees himself as having 'taken the baton of custodianship' from the previous commander, Mike Vonk, for his three-year tenure.

"I now have this opportunity to build on the team, and build on for the next leader." The new future leaders have already been identified, and he views his role as ensuring a process of continual growth within the organisation, along with overseeing that the values of the base are instilled and built upon.

The role also has big administrative responsibilities, such as managing governance systems that ensure that the budget is spent wisely. The NSRI is a volunteer organisation that is funded by donations from a wide range of people, from multi-million rand corporates down to scholars who will donate part of their pocket money. 

Another key aspect lies in taking care of the valuable kit of the station and making sure it is always ready to be 'battle tested' in the harshest marine environments. 

"We operate in a high-pressure, high-risk environment, and we need to make sure that our systems are all honed and well looked after, that our equipment and training are all on point," Britton said. "After all, the sharp end of what we do is performing safe, efficient and effective rescue operations."

With the new holiday season fast approaching, Britton acknowledged the 'amazing collaborative approach' that exists in the Garden Route. 

"In the George and Wilderness area, it's a massive team. From the Metro teams and the AMS helicopter to Lifesaving South Africa, homeowners and ratepayers associations, there is just a massive collaboration of putting preventative measures in place."

As much as the NSRI is on standby to effect the rescues that have made it one of the most respected marine rescue teams on the planet, its primary role remains to educate and prevent the need for a rescue.

The NSRI will be doing a new recruitment drive early in 2025, and Britton advised anyone interested in getting involved to keep an eye on local media.

Watch the video below:

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