While the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responds to nearly 900 emergencies per year on average, the organisation’s rescue teams have already responded to 272 incidents in the first two months.
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The NSRI is a vital rescue service for anyone who finds themselves in perilous situations on South African coastlines and inland waters.
Speaking to IOL, the organisation’s director of rescue services, Brett Ayres, said the first two months of 2023 have been busy in comparison to previous years.
“Thus far, we have conducted 272 rescue operations, an indication that 2023 has already been an eventful year for our rescue services. This has impacted 404 persons, whom we have brought back to their loved ones and the community at large,” Ayres said.
He said that the statistics were generated by the dedication of the NSRI’s volunteer members, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and have been busy with response and support for the severe flooding that has occurred in various parts of the country since the beginning of the year.
He also said that the NSRI rescued 20 animals, including seals, whales and dolphins.
The non-profit organisation has also helped to make the water sports economy safer and more appealing by providing event safety for 72 events, assisting water users, and making the water sports economy safer and more appealing.
“We as an organisation will continue to respond to the call to save the lives of South Africans and foreign visitors through our range of rescue services, giving them a future they would not have had without us,” concluded Ayers.
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Picture: NSRI / Facebook
