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South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute is a countrywide non-profit organisation dedicated to helping people in distress on the water: at sea as well as inland.
The NSRI liaises with other similar groups around the world to keep abreast of developments and to be able to provide the best possible rescue services. It is recognised as a creditable and authoritative safety and recue organisation.
The Institute's patron-in-chief, the president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has pledged his support and appreciation for the NSRI's activities.
Because the NSRI employs volunteer staff, it has been possible to run the service with a relatively small budget. Whereas a similar service would cost South Africa approximately R100 million, the actual budget of the NSRI, using volunteers, is only R10 million. This means that each Rand donated is the equivalent of R10.
Inland drownings and the NSRI's "Water Wise" programme
It is a fact that there are more drownings inland than on the coast. The majority of these drownings are of people of the under-privileged sector between the ages of four and twelve.
The NSRI has embarked on a fund-raising campaign for their "Water Wise" programme, which comprises videos, hands-on lectures, the involvement of various service organisations and the use of swimming teachers throughout South Africa to educate children in the 6 to 10-year age group.
Rescue stations
The NSRI has 28 coastal and 2 inland stations around South Africa. These bases are maintained by crew members activated into action within minutes via sms to respond to an emergency at sea. The maintenance of a number of bases is sponsored by various corporations.
Most NSRI stations own a four wheel drive vehicle fitted out as a mobile communications / ambulance unit capable of operating on beaches and rough country in conjunction with boats at sea.
An average size craft, mobile and base have sophisticated radio communications and electronic equipment estimated to cost in excess of R100 000.
The NSRI workers
The men and women, from all groups, exchange leisure, comfort and sleep for cold, wet and often dangerous conditions. These volunteers, up to the board of directors, receive no renumeration for their work in an effort to stretch the NSRI's income from donations.
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