These women are shaping modern sea rescue with skill and dedication. The NSRI in South Africa now counts women among its lifeguards, coxswains and station commanders and they are working on every front. Training new recruits, leading emergency operations – bringing fresh perspectives and steady hands to life-saving work.
Carmen Long serves as Class One Coxswain at Hout Bay. She said she never viewed her role as groundbreaking. ‘I just joined because I wanted to be part of something,’ Long said. She commands a rescue vessel and guides crews through rough seas and urgent calls (NSRI).
Rebecca Carter-Smith manages lifeguarding operations. She oversees vessels worth over R25 million. ‘Being a Class One Coxswain is not a joke,’ she said. Her team handles complex rescues at short notice. They secure the vessel, chart the course and coordinate with medical crews.
Their decisions mean the difference between life and death.
Service demands personal sacrifice. Carter-Smith said the job sometimes means missing family events. ‘Sometimes missing a special moment is worth the lives we save,’ she added. Her dedication reflects the spirit of the NSRI.
Executive Director Brett Ayres praised the institute’s diversity. He adds that diverse teams benefit from varied skills and fresh ideas. He believes this mix leads to better outcomes on every mission.
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Former station commander and current coxswain Sara Jane Smith urged more women to join. ‘Anybody can make a difference. Get to your nearest station and they will bring out the best in you,’ she said. Today, women are standing ready on every shore.
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Picture: NSRI / YouTube
