FROM THE HELM J
UDGING BY THIS past week, the traditional
In June we were fortunate to be able to hold our AGM and Station Commanders Conference. I think
Cape weather is back. The Bakoven crew once again had to move their boat out of the shed in case the spring tide and swell caused the expected havoc, and I’ve been surfing in the tidal pool in the morning, albeit in that thick yellow foam. Exciting sea conditions like these fortunately keep boats at home and mean that our services are not required. Yet the cold season is a busy time for Sea Rescue as stations prepare for the summer, new boats hatch out of moulds and training continues in earnest. Hands may be cold but they’re not idle! What’s also apparent is that there is plenty of activity along the coast. I’ve just returned from a two-week sardine run, and it’s interesting to see how many people are kayaking, surfing and fishing in remote locations as they escape from the madness of the cities, even outside of school holidays. I was also sad to discover that, even in winter, children continue to drown on beaches and in estuaries, adding to the pressure on us to evolve services along the coast to prevent this. One positive aspect
it made everyone in the room realise how much we miss one another and the continuous social contact, which is such a necessary and fulfilling element of our service. What was firmly put on the table was the need to focus on people: our crew, donors, supporters and staff, without whose wellbeing we could not function. ‘People’ is a Strategic Focus for 2022, even more so than before. The Awards Evening was a welcome distraction from the current pressure in society, and every award-winner deserves our humble thanks. It was terribly sad not to have the Oceanos rescuers personally present, but I think we’ve made the point that this recognition was long, long overdue and our expression of thanks has been well received. We had several 40- and 50-year awards, among them Andrew Ingram, Howard Godfrey, Pat van Eyssen and Ian Hamilton… Incredible commitment and loyalty, and a wonderful example of service. They should all get President’s Awards! Our awards have maintained a high standard, and all credit is due to the amazing volunteer effort and service.
was finding Pink Rescue Buoys on beaches and in coves, placed and maintained by local residents, in the most remote areas – a real expression of ownership and commitment. Fantastic to see. I was also really encouraged by the sheer volume of wildlife underwater. We really live in an amazing country with incredible natural resources – something we as an organisation identify with from a conservation angle.
So, to spring! So much to do, so much to look forward to. As I write, that song by Tiësto resonates in my head: ‘Let’s get down, let’s get down to business…’. I suppose it is the typical anticipation of a great season to come. Let’s do it!
DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON, CEO
CAPE TOWN: NSRI, 4 Longclaw Drive, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441; PO Box 154, Green Point 8051 Tel: +27 21 434 4011 Fax: +27 21 434 1661 Visit our website at www.nsri.org.za or email us at info@searescue.org.za www.facebook.com/SeaRescue
2 |
SEA RESCUE SPRING 2021
@nsri
youtube.com/c/NSRISeaRescue
@searescuesa
