NSRI prepares for the festive season: Key insights and station strategies

With the festive season fast approaching, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is ramping up its readiness to manage the influx of beachgoers and water users.

Operations DirectorBrett Ayres outlined the comprehensive measures to ensure that all stations are prepared for increased operational demands. The NSRI is committed to community safety, integrating with local authorities, and maintaining public awareness efforts to mitigate risks.

Strategic measures for the festive season

Brett highlighted that NSRI stations are always prepared year-round, maintaining a 24/7 operational readiness. However, during the festive season, stations take extra steps due to seasonal supplier closures. "We make sure maintenance and equipment orders are all done ahead of needs so that they are ahead of the curve for the season into February next year," Ayres explained.

The season also coincides with volunteers being on holiday, which impacts the availability of the crew. To address this, stations implement careful scheduling and adjust training routines to ensure that resources are focused on operational readiness. "On some stations, nearby locations experience a spike in activity, and we provide extra resources and patrols to those areas," Ayres added. Additionally, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), beach safety camera programmes, and the deployment of pink rescue buoys experience increased pressure, necessitating additional personnel and vigilance.

Collaboration with lifeguards and authorities

Working closely with lifeguards, law enforcement, and local authorities is vital to the NSRI's seasonal strategy. Ayres described how pre-season planning meetings and regular in-season coordination ensure seamless cooperation. "At the peak of the season, many municipalities have weekly and even daily meetings to plan, communicate, and respond as needs arise. We do attend these as vital role players in various areas," he noted.

Station insights

Station 16 Strandfontein

Nicolette Whitehead, Station Commander of Station 16 Strandfontein, emphasised the complex preparation strategies for the season. "We train all year and take previous years as benchmarks of what to do and what not to do. Specific challenges are alcohol and people going into the water while being drunk," Whitehead said. The station faces immense pressure managing large crowds and responding to incidents. "On 1 January this year, we had 17 incidents at Muizenberg alone," she recalled. The crew collaborates with City of Cape Town Lifeguards, SAPS Divers, and Fire & Rescue, showcasing the power of teamwork. "Every incident has a story, and every life saved is a reminder of why we do what we do," Whitehead affirmed.

Station 25 Hartbeespoort

Arthur Crewe, Station Commander from Station 25 Hartbeespoort Dam, detailed their focused training efforts. "We've been doing major training throughout the year to plan and prevent," Crewe said. The station anticipates high activity volumes on the dam, where thousands of water users gather. "In the last, let's say, 30 days, we've had a barge rescued and people evacuated and then fires, so we've been tested on all our training already for December," he shared. Low water levels, currently 2.5 to 3 metres below average, add to the challenges, but "We're ready for whatever comes along," Crewe assured.

Station 37 Jeffreys Bay

Station 37 Jeffrey'sBay Station Commander, Kristo Kritzinger, said, "We are ensuring that our assets and equipment are in peak condition and reinforcing swift response procedures for any emergencies that may arise."
About challenges, Kristo said, "Rip currents and unpredictable weather are particular concerns, along with the increased number of people under the influence and unfamiliar with ocean conditions." However, to prepare for this, the team focuses on public awareness and signage.

Showcasing the power of teamwork, Kristos concluded, "Every rescue we have, the crew is always ready to give their all to help casualties in need," and added, "When we need our neighbouring stations to participate in a bigger rescue, we know that they have our back."

Public awareness and safety engagement

The NSRI's dedication to safety, collaboration, and community engagement ensures that they remain prepared for the challenges of the festive season, ready to protect and assist as needed.