Tragic Drowning Highlights the Importance of Pink Rescue Buoys

A tragic drowning at Sodwana Bay has prompted renewed awareness around the importance of NSRI Pink Rescue Buoys (PRB) and the role communities can play in helping prevent future drownings.

The incident unfolded shortly after lifeguards had gone off duty. A swimmer was caught in a strong rip current close to shore, while helpless bystanders watched from the beach, desperate to assist but unable to do so safely.

In the absence of a flotation device, those on the shore faced an impossible decision: attempt a dangerous rescue in hazardous conditions and risk more lives being lost, or remain on the beach and watch a tragedy unfold.

“We felt completely helpless”

Following the incident, businessman and fisherman Alain Kahn shared the story in a Facebook post that deeply resonated with people across South Africa. His words captured not only the devastation of the drowning but also the critical role that Pink Rescue Buoys play in saving lives.

Alain understands the instinct to help someone in danger.

Just months earlier, during the Billfish 15000 competition at Sodwana Bay, Alain and his crew,  Rayland Dunbar Kahn and Wade Martin, had been involved in a dramatic rescue after another vessel capsized while beaching.

“We had just successfully rescued the crew of the vessel who flipped their boat whilst beaching,” he explained.

“I skippered my vessel, Bite Me, and we were beaching immediately after Shag & Release and found their hull upside down in the backline with 3 crew needing assistance as they were already exhausted.”

That experience reinforced something Alain believes strongly: “I think it is in everyone’s nature to try their best to save a life in need.”

But at Sodwana Bay, the absence of a flotation device changed everything.

Alain and his Son Jordan Kahn felt completely helpless watching someone drown a few meters from the shoreline just because they could not locate the pink buoy, which had been stolen from its post.

Because of this, Alain said he “felt the need to explain the importance of these buoys and how they should be used so that someone else out there could one day save the life that I couldn’t save.”

Turning heartbreak into awareness

In response to the overwhelming public reaction to Alain’s post, a dedicated NSRI webpage was created to raise awareness about Pink Rescue Buoys and encourage people to sponsor them.

The initiative highlights that these bright pink flotation devices are proven lifesaving tools.

To date, the NSRI is aware of 259 successful rescues involving Pink Rescue Buoys, with no harm to anyone who has used them to help someone in difficulty.

Community Fundraiser Renée Leeuwner says the programme continues to grow because of public support and volunteer involvement.

“There are over 2100 Pink Buoys placed on rivers, dams and the coast around the country, all of which are looked after by volunteers,” she said.

Each buoy and pole costs R2 000 to sponsor. Sponsors can choose to dedicate a buoy in memory of a loved one or support installations in high-risk areas where public rescue equipment is urgently needed.

“If they have a specific place where they would like it, they can become a Pink Buoy custodian, put it up where they think it’s needed, and look after it,” Renée explained. “Alternatively, they can make a direct donation, and our volunteers will put it where they think it is most needed.”

A lifeline within reach

For Alain, the message is simple.

“If you have the means to help, then this is the best opportunity to help someone save a life in need,” he said. “You may not be there in person, but your donation to purchase a pink buoy will save a life.”

To kick-start the fundraising campaign, Alain and Jordan’s company, Bite Me Fishing, donated R2 000 and challenged all companies in the Fishing Equipment Industry to match or better their donation.

Every PRB installed along South Africa’s coastline, rivers and dams represents more than emergency equipment. It represents hope, preparedness and the possibility that, when the unthinkable happens, a single buoy can mean the difference between tragedy and survival.

Make a donation today.