Station 51: The heart of NSRI’s inland rescues at Gariep Dam

Station 51 at Gariep Dam may be one of the most unique inland bases of the NSRI, but what truly sets it apart is the dedicated team behind it.

Commander Wikus Wiese offers an inside look at what makes this station effective and special.

“Where do I start with Gariep Dam’s NSRI Station?” Wiese says. “It’s truly one of a kind! Just ask anyone who’s stopped by for training, a visit, or an overnight stay.” The volunteers at Station 51 come from varied backgrounds, bringing a blend of knowledge and experiences, including years at other NSRI stations. What drives them to volunteer? It’s a shared love for the outdoors, water sports like sailing and kayaking, and a genuine commitment to their community. 

Living in a remote area with limited emergency services means the team is motivated to step in as first responders whenever necessary. Training at Station 51 is designed to tackle the unique challenges of an inland water setting. The team’s activities often revolve around the local yacht club, which makes skills such as towing and rafting essential. 
“Most of our past callouts have involved boat issues,” Wiese explains. “We focus a lot on towing and rafting, but we’ve also dealt with urgent medical cases, such as heart attacks, so medical training is essential for our team.” The team’s medical training, including Medical Emergency Care (MEC), ensures they are equipped to handle urgent cases when ambulance response times can exceed two hours.

The nature of their rescues differs significantly from those at coastal stations. “Unlike coastal stations, we thankfully don’t deal with shark incidents,” Wiese jokes before turning serious. “Our most common situations involve boats breaking free during storms or mechanical failures.” Often underestimated, the dam’s inland weather conditions play a significant role in these emergencies. “People may not expect extreme conditions at a dam, but they can be treacherous. For instance, 1-metre waves on the dam are choppy and close together, posing a real danger to smaller boats,” he says.

Adding to the challenge are the dam’s ‘islands’ and surrounding hills, which generate sudden gusts of wind. “The winds shift quickly, making it difficult to stay in control,” Wiese explains. The absence of salt in the water also reduces buoyancy, making it easier for people to tire and raising the risk of drowning. “Local knowledge and experience are essential for understanding these inland conditions,” he adds.

Despite the challenges, the team’s resilience shines through. Wiese recalls a notable incident involving a 93-year-old man who suffered a heart attack while travelling. “Our volunteers pulled together, and it was amazing to see how all our training just clicked into place,” he shares. The team worked seamlessly until further help arrived, ensuring the patient’s recovery. “It was truly heartwarming and showed the strength of our team spirit,” Wiese concludes.

Station 51’s story is one of adaptability, dedication, and community spirit, making it an indispensable part of Gariep Dam.