NSRI Sea Rescue Summer 2014

SEA RESCUE WINNER OF THE 2013 PICA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MAGAZINE PUBLISHING AND JOURNALISM IN THE CATEGORY BUSINESS TO BUSINESS: ESSENTIAL SERVICES R14.95 | FREE TO NSRI MEMBERS | SUMMER 2014

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK – BALANCING CAREER, LIFE AND HELPING PEOPLE

THE SHARP END – NSRI’S COXSWAIN FINISHING COURSE

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE WILD COAST

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS: IN AND OUT OF THE WATER

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CONTENTS SUMMER 2014 10

8

18 AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT

8 FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL

PE crew assist in freeing a trapped whale, and enjoy an unexpected surprise

A round of bodyboarding at Noordhoek turns into a life-and-death situation

20 HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE WILD COAST

We speak to NSRI crew about juggling work, family and a passion for volunteering

12 CHASING THE WIND The Cape West Coast is a kiteboarder’s haven – for locals and visitors alike

16 SUMMER SAFETY

Tips for taking care in the sun this season

See page 4 for more details.

WIN NOW! 26 BULLETIN BOARD

12

Fundraising drives, events, competitions and station news

30 AGM AND AWARDS CEREMONY Welcomes, acknowledgements and awards at this year’s AGM

2 CEO’S LETTER AND READERS’ COMMENTS

10 BALANCING ACT

Subscribe to Sea Rescue magazine and stand a chance to win a High Sierra Freel Duffel.

20

News from the Life boat Circle

33 MISSING AT ALBERT FALLS After capsizing in choppy water, Ken Ainslie attempts the 200m swim to shore

24

Places to stay when you visit this rugged, undisturbed and diverse stretch of coastline

34 WATERWISE

Life jackets save lives

36 CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

22 A BIT OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Shedding light on the absorbing and enigmatic basket star

Meet the wine makers who are raising awareness for Station 17 (Hermanus)

38 STATION DIRECTORY

24 TEACHING AND LEARNING NSRI’s first coxswain finishing course is a resounding success

32 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

40 ‘WATER IS MY LIFE’

36

Robbie Robinson talks about his love for the sea and what drives his passion SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 01

PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREW INGRAM

T

FROM THE HELM

CONTACT US

CAPE TOWN: NSRI, 1 Glengariff Road, Three Anchor Bay 8001, PO Box 154, Green Point 8051 Tel: +27 21 434 4011 Fax: +27 21 434 1661 Visit our website at www.searescue.org.za or email us at info@searescue.org.za

FIND US ON

THE CREW

HE 2014 SUMMER SEASON IS HERE. Before you all hook up your trailers and boats and head off across the pond, there are two things that I think bear mentioning – and that may save your life or that of someone close to you.

‘The best life jacket is the one you’re wearing.’ I stole that from the South African Marine Safety Authority (SAMSA) website.

It’s true: If you capsize and are thrown into the water, it’s too late to look for a life jacket and almost impossible to put it on in the water.

The fact is that very few people in South Africa, with a few exceptions, like some sailors and paddlers, wear a life jacket when they’re on the water, despite the risk.

Life jackets are bought to satisfy a survey requirement and not as a lifesaving device, and the ones on the market are so uncomfortable and bulky that wearing one is a practical nightmare.

We had a very productive meeting with SAMSA the other day about life jackets, and I think the beginning of a movement to do something practical about it is succeeding.

My advice is to buy a life jacket that you will wear.

And to wear it. The new regulations allow the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs), which are comfortable and practical. The sea is always in charge and you never know when it’s going to test you.

The second issue is as important and relates to coastal emergencies and what number to call from your cellphone when someone is in trouble.

SEA RESCUE

THE PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP

OFFICE +27 21 434 4011

MANAGING EDITOR Wendy Maritz

WEB www.searescue.org.za

ART DIRECTOR Ryan Manning

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

PUBLISHER Lori Cohen

ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT

ADVERTISING Merise Isaacs

Meriel Bartlett

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

CELL 082 994 7555

Mark Beare, John Morkel

EMAIL merielb@searescue.org.za

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Susan Newham-Blake

Andrew Ingram

ADDRESS PO Box 15054,

CELL 082 990 5977

Vlaeberg 8018

EMAIL andrewi@searescue.org.za

TEL +27 21 ­424 3517

NSRI SPOKESMAN Craig Lambinon

FAX +27 21 424 3612

CELL 082 380 3800

EMAIL wmaritz@tppsa.co.za

EMAIL lambinon@mweb.co.za

02 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

I met with EuropAssist, International SOS and ER24, the service providers for the 112 emergency number (for MTN, Vodacom and Cell C) on cellphones, and they have all agreed enthusiastically to take Sea Rescue emergency calls through 112.

I also met with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (MRCC) run by SAMSA, and they have agreed to receive Sea Rescue emergency calls from the 112 providers and dispatch our NSRI resources along our coast.

We have created for the first time, with the partners mentioned above, a national emergencynumber system for Sea Rescue.

Thank you to those partners for their enthusiastic and very public service approach to creating this solution. The system has been active from 1 October 2014 and we look forward to building the technology and relationships that will make it work for you.

See you on the water, with your PFD on and your cellphone in a waterproof pouch!

DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON, CEO

Produced for the NSRI by The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018.

Copyright: The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior permission of the editor. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not the NSRI. Offers are available while stocks last.

REPRODUCTION Hirt & Carter PRINTING ABC Press ISBN 1812-0644 Salim Dadabhay of Station 5 (Durban) Photograph: André Fletcher

LETTERS WINNING LETTER

Congratulations to Peter-John Hannabus for writing the winning letter. Thank you for sharing such a fascinating history with us. Your hamper of Slaley Wine is on its way to you.

REMEMBERING LIGHT KEEPERS

I

am a retired lighthouse keeper from a family of lighthouse keepers. My granddad, Bill Hannabus, was a keeper from the late 1800s till about 1930, and is buried in Port Nolloth. My father, Babsie Hannabus, and his brother, Charlie, were keepers from after World War II till the 1970s.They are buried at West Bank Cemetery, next to Hood Point Lighthouse in East London. My late brother is buried at Danger Point Lighthouse. His little grave is a tourist attraction now.

My father was born at Robben Island Lighthouse in 1911; I was born at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse in 1954; and my eldest cousin, Trevor, was born at Cape Columbine around 1945.

I was a light keeper in the 1970s, and did duties all around the coast as a relief keeper. I became a radio technician in the late ’70s when lighthouses were being automated by South African Railways and Harbours, and keepers were being made redundant. Bird Island, Dassen Island, Robben Island, and Diaz Point in Namibia were very remote stations. Three keepers were stationed at all the stations, on eighthour shifts, 24/7. We all saw a fair amount of wrecks and helped in some rescues!

Some stations had foghorns and radio contact with ships. We also did weather reports every three hours and phoned them in to the nearest airport or port control.

There are still about four lighthouses that are manned by ‘original’ keepers who are about to go on pension soon. That will signal the end of a great era.

Peter-John Hannabus

NEW

YOUNG FANS Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard would like to thank Andrew Ingram for the presentation he did for us in August. The children thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration and were excited to know what it’s like to serve in the NSRI. I think many of them will take more care when swimming in our Cape Town waters this summer. Some of them have decided they’d like to start training to join your Sea Rescue team because they are ‘strong swimmers’!

A small donation that the children raised will be transferred to the NSRI. We hope you will be able to come again next year.

Emma Peck and the Reddam House children

GRATEFUL THANKS!

Write to us and WIN! The writer of the winning letter published in the Autumn 2015 issue of Sea Rescue will win a sumptuous hamper of Slaley wines valued at R750. This hamper can also be ordered from Slaley as a promotional gift or for a special occasion. For more information, call (021) 865 2123, visit www.slaley.co.za or pop by and see us on the corner of the R44 and Kromme Rhee Road outside Stellenbosch.

Send your letters to Sea Rescue magazine, PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018. (The winning letter is chosen at the editor’s discretion.)

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank each and everyone involved in rescuing the fishing vessel Dodeka and her crew. My husband is the skipper on the vessel. You guys really do a terrific job and that’s why I always encourage my children to donate money to the NSRI. I always say, you never know when your father might need their assistance. And now he has!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the crew from the Hermanus and Agulhas stations.

Venitta (via email)

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 03

LETTERS

NSRI DIRECTORS: CEO: Dr Cleeve Robertson EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Meriel Bartlett (Organisational Support), Mark Hughes (Operations), Mark Koning (Finance) GOVERNANCE BOARD: Ronnie Stein (Chairman) MEMBERS: Deon Cloete, Viola Manuel, Chris Nissen, Dave Robins, Rob Stirrat, Nontsindiso Tshazi OPERATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS: Dr Cleeve Robertson (CEO), Eddie Noyons (Chairman), Meriel Bartlett (Organisational Support), Mark Hughes (Operations), Mark Koning (Finance), Brad Geyser, Dave Roberts, Mike Elliot, Justin Erasmus.

HONORARY LIFE GOVERNORS: David Abromowitz, Allan Cramb, Howard Godfrey, Ian Hamilton, Chris Hudson, Brian Hustler, Ian Strachan, Hennie Taljaard.

THANK YOU, WATERWISE!

(Eoudia Erasmus of our WaterWise Academy in the Boland hosts regular workshops during the holidays. We have worked with the Anna Foundation on a number of occasions.)

After each of your workshops with the Anna Foundation, I can see from the children’s quotes and pictures that they not only have fun but also go home with very necessary knowledge. Thank you so much for all your time, travel and trouble given to educate our learners. It is so appreciated! We plan to grow our projects in the Breede River area from next year, so we may very well ask for you to come through again in future. Thank you for everything, Eoudia.

Carolyn Clark, Anna Foundation

Subscribe to Sea Rescue magazine and stand a chance to win

A HIGH SIERRA FREEL DUFFEL High Sierra, the outdoor luggage brand, has recently launched in South Africa.

The robust travel luggage will inspire your everyday adventures, whether you’re out enjoying nature or during daily urban activities. A wide range of active outdoor gear, urban backpacks and rugged luggage is available to suit students, business travellers and outdoor sport enthusiasts. The High Sierra range is available at leading luggage stores nationwide. For a stockist near you, call (031) 266-0620.

HIGH SIERRA FREEL DUFFEL FEATURES: Three-in-one bag that can be used upright, as a duffle or a backpack / Handy dividing panel between top and bottom compartments / Hidden backpack straps, retractable wheel handle and corner guards / Kick plate for protection.

Please post your form to NSRI, PO Box 154, Green Point 8051, or to your nearest regional office, or fax it to (021) 434 1661.

I WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO SEA RESCUE MAGAZINE I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE PERSON BELOW Full name:......................................................................................................................................

Postal address:......................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................ Postal code:................................................

Telephone no: (..............).........................................................................................................

Please find enclosed cheque/postal order for R100

Debit my Visa/MasterCard to the amount of R100 Cardholder’s name:.............................................................................................................

Card no Expiry date of card CVV number Cardholder’s telephone no:.........................................................................................

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Terms and conditions: 1. The draw is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. Entries for the giveaway close on 16 February 2015. 3. The winners will be selected by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winners’ names will be printed in the Autumn 2015 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this draw, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition. 6. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

AFRICAN SEASHORES TO READ COLOUR AND KEEP BY SALLY MACLARTY

This activity book features more than 40 of the brightest and most fascinating creatures and plants from our local shores, as well as a guide showing children which colours to use for each one. There are also great snippets of information, including how the sea anemone overpowers its prey and why the hermit crab’s homes are all second-hand.

We have three copies to give away. To stand a chance to win one, SMS Sea Rescue African Seashores, your name, daytime telephone number and address to 33282 by 16 February 2015 Terms and conditions: 1. The giveaway is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. Entries for the giveaway close on 16 February 2015. 3. Winners will be selected by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winners’ names will be printed in the Autumn 2015 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this competition, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition. 6. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

My name is Hayley Ross, I am 16 and a student at Woodridge College and Preparatory just outside of Port Elizabeth.

This morning I attended one of the most emotional and inspirational presentations I’ve ever had the privilege to attend.

I’m not a swimmer in any form of the word but my 21-year-old sister, Ashley Ross, is a qualified scuba-diving instructor, yachtmaster and first-aider. For the past two years she’s been a deck hand on a 48-foot catamaran based in Genoa, Italy,

and I fear for her safety every day – but after attending the NSRI presentation this morning at my school, I have been given peace of mind about my sister’s career choice. Another very important person in my life is my roommate at boarding school, Crystal Hulett. Crystal is the under-21 South African female surfing champion.

I know the sea is a very dangerous place and I often have nightmares about something happening to Crystal. When I hear she is going to go surfing I want to tie her to a tree to keep her from going,

Your P & I Solution in Africa We are commercial correspondents and surveyors for the Protection and Indemnity industry and we represent all the International Group of P&I Clubs.

We serve those interests throughout South Africa Claims and along the East and West coasts of Southern Africa. To ascertain how we can help you or to find out what we do, go to our website and select one of the several topics. If you have any comments or questions select contact Surveys us to contact one of our specialist team members or email us at: pidurban@pandi.co.za

but now that I know about NSRI and all of the people they help, the risks they take and the sacrifices they make, I know that if anything were to happen to Crystal she will be in good hands as long as the NSRI is there.

The NSRI volunteers are my new reallife superheroes and I feel privileged to be taught by one of the volunteers, Miss Laura Wilmot. I would just like to conclude by extending a personal thank you to all of the NSRI volunteers for everything they do.

Hayley Ross

Troubleshooting

Stowaways

Crisis Management

www.pandi.co.za

EMERGENGY 24 HOUR: +2783 250 3398

OUR FOCUS:

PEACE OF MIND

LETTERS Ivan Bauser, a crew member at Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay), captured this scene while out on a training session earlier this year.

ROCKET SCIENCE I enjoyed the article in the latest NSRI publication written

by Andrew Ingram about the Duiker Rock Rocket Station.

He refers to the ‘life throwing apparatus’ used. He might be interested to know that there exists an intact unit at the Drill Hall Museum in Port Elizabeth. I’m not sure of the manufacturer, though. I became interested in the rocket lifesaving device after discovering that Knysna also used it during the period 1897 to 1920.

Philip Caveney

HELPING BARBARIAN

I would like to extend my gratitude and that of my crew for the rescue of my yacht Barbarian on the night of 2 September and the morning of 3 September off the East London coast after we lost use of the rudder.

Even though it was not possible to reach us on 2 September, it was just so comforting to know that attempts were being made despite the deteriorating weather conditions.

Thanks, NSRI! We’ll see you again at Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club.

Jack Hattingh 06 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

WIN

ONE OF FIVE SETS OF

DRINKBUDI HOLDERS

This handy little beverage holder is ideal for taking along on camping trips, picnics and sports or music events, or for use out in the garden when you’re having a braai. This holder keeps your beverage where it should be – upright, and not spilt on the ground. And they’re a true home-grown product – produced in Knysna. We have five sets of five DrinkBudis to give away (colours: white, green, blue, yellow and red). To stand a chance to win one, SMS Sea Rescue DrinkBudi, your name, daytime telephone number and address to 33282 by 16 Feburary 2015. For more information, visit www.drinkbudi.com.

Terms and conditions: 1. The giveaway is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. Entries for the giveaway close on 16 February 2015.

3. Winners will be selected by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winners’ names will be printed in the Autumn 2015 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this competition, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition.

6. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

MEMORIES OF A CLOSE CALL Firstly, I’d like to thank you for your wonderful magazine. Reading about all the incredible feats prompted me to relate a personal experience we had as a family when the NSRI saved my son’s life. It was a long time ago but worth repeating.

It was June 1985 and my wife and I, and our two sons went to Plett for the school holidays. We stayed at Robberg Beach, which was ideal because we are all beach bums – not a day passed that we didn’t swim, surf or take a walk.

One morning we woke to a cold, miserable day, so swimming was out.

However, my eldest son, Guy, who was 12 at the time, took his small skimmer board down to Robberg Beach. He would throw his board near the breaking surf, jump on it and skim across the sand. My wife and I were watching him and I really had to lay down

WINNERS

the law to ensure that he didn’t go into the sea. The waves were huge, with a vicious rip tide. He listened to our warning but while we were talking to some friends he went into the sea and within minutes he was pulled out. He was wearing an old hand-medown wetsuit that was torn and too big for him. But at least it gave him some warmth.

We realised immediately that he was in trouble. I dived in to go and help, but soon I was in trouble as well. I battled but managed to get back to the beach.

With his knowledge of the sea, Guy fortunately did not try to fight the rip but it kept pulling him further and further out.

Luckily someone contacted the NSRI. The volunteers jumped into action but had to wait to launch because of the rough seas, and when they found a gap in the surf they headed out. They battled to find Guy in those seas, and by then he had been in the water

for more than two hours. However, he was located, picked up and brought back to base.

By this time my wife and I, our younger son and the crowds that had gathered on the beach were in tears. Unless you’ve experienced a situation like this it is almost impossible to describe the utter terror and helplessness. Wrapped in a thick woollen blanket, Guy was brought to us at Robberg by one of the rescue crew. There are no words to describe our joy and relief when we saw him with a big smile on his face.

The next day we went to the NSRI base to thank the crew. Pat, the skipper of the rescue boats, said in typical NSRI fashion, ‘We are pleased to have been of service and always glad to help.’ His parting words to Guy were that he had saved himself by not trying to fight the rip. ‘All we did was pick you up.’

Wow, the understatement of the decade!

Ron Joubert, Klein Wassenaar

Congratulations to the winners of the competitions published in the Winter 2014 issue. ›› Quest First Aid Kits: Cherry White, Cramerview; Ruth Goble, Cape Town; Elbie Pama, Plettenberg Bay; Cheryl King, Overport; Jonathan Baillie, Durbanville ›› My First Book of Ocean Life: Laura Rispin, Pinetown; Charl Tredoux, Plumstead; Lynette Harris, Kirstenhof. ›› Spitbraai: Riaan van den Berg, Swellendam ›› Mkambati and the Wild Coast: Dries van der Walt, Gonubie ›› Canon PowerShot D20: Margot Vile, Benoni.

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FIGHTING FOR

SURVIVAL

After seeing a fellow bodyboarder taking a big hit, Aden Kleve realised he had to reach him – as fast as humanly possible. By Andrew Ingram

T

HERE WAS A LIGHT southeaster blowing and a big swell pushing when Brendan Woodcock, 29, pulled into the Noordhoek parking lot.

‘It was jam-packed with ous all gagging for their share of what Mother Nature had thrown at us. Dunes was doing its best impression of a North Sumatran point break,’ says Brendan.

For most of his life, Brendan has been in and around water, surfing, swimming and bodyboarding. And Saturday 17 May

08 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

2014 promised to be a great day with some big waves coming through.

He decided to go to the surf spot known as The Hoek to check on conditions there, and after 10 minutes of watching the waves he got suited up.

‘To my surprise there was not a soul there. After seeing about 80% of the waves spitting and being pretty makable with a clean line-up, my decision was made.’

Brendan got through to the back and spent the following 25 minutes fighting the

rip currents and wind to stay in the best position, until eventually he got his first wave… ‘which closed out but was so round I was smiling the whole way through it’.

After about half an hour, six other surfers arrived, including local bodyboarding legend Aden Kleve.

Aden, a 23-year-old Kommetjie resident, remembers taking note of a massive rip current pulling out below Chapmans Peak.

‘It was one of the most powerful rips that I have seen there. It flowed over

REAL-LIFE RESCUE

Left: This series of video stills shows the full force of the water that nearly claimed Brendan Woodcock’s life.

Right: Aden Kleve (left) used his lifesaving and bodyboarding skills to secure Brendan and surf him to a safer zone.

a shallow sandbank, which suddenly dropped off, and then pulled like a huge river of water out to sea. It was very intense,’ says Aden.

As a qualified Fish Hoek lifeguard and Western Province bodyboarding team rider for seven years, with three years on the international bodyboarding circuit, Aden took in the conditions fast and then hit the water, using the rip to get him out to the back line.

The small group of surfers had all taken a good few waves when Brendan lined up a fairly big one. He was just out of position but went for it anyway.

‘With the amount of paddling we had to do just to stay on the peak, let alone actually catch a wave, there was no way I was letting it pass me by. Because of the late take-off and the lumpy conditions, I had to bottom-turn really hard to try get out of the impact zone.’

Brendan had airdropped a couple of metres before trying to turn out of the impact zone. But he was too late. The wave curled over and broke, with all its force, onto the back of his head, smashing his face into his bodyboard.

‘I remember being churned around under water and feeling for my teeth. I thought that I had lost them and was stoked to find that hadn’t happened,’ said Brendan.

‘After the first wave hit me I still had my board. But when the second wave hit me I lost it. Once I lost the board… it was pretty much all over.’

Brendan was concussed and, after a few minutes, realised that he needed help.

Fast.

‘I was at the point where I had to keep telling myself “No, not now,” because I

In an incredible display of surfing skill, combining his skills learnt while bodyboarding and lifesaving, Aden locked his body over Brendan’s and went for a wave, surfing his concussed casualty out of the impact zone.

‘The bodyboard is one of the best lifesaving tools. I lay on top of him and locked him in.

I clamped him in so that he could not fall off.’

As they reached the shallows, the two were sucked back into the rip.

‘We were standing there on the edge of the bank. Brendan was telling me that he could not see – he was seeing only blackness. He was mumbling and mostly unresponsive.’

That is when fellow bodyboarder Wilder Schultz arrived and the two men managed, after about 10 minutes of fighting the rip, to put Brendan on Aden’s board and drag him to the rocks.

‘His body was shaking and convulsing.

Wilder got a blanket and I shielded him from the wind … hugged him to keep him warm.’

‘Slowly he regained consciousness, and could talk coherently. But it seemed like ages to me.’ said Aden.

‘If it weren’t for Aden I know I would have drowned – no doubt whatsoever,’ says Brendan.

He turns to Aden, grabs his hand and the two men shoulder bump. With a slightly embarrassed laugh, Brendan looks Aden in the eye and says, ‘Thanks, buddy.’ SR Aden Kleve was awarded the NSRI Chief Executive Officer’s Letter of Appreciation for a rescue that demonstrated amazing skill on his bodyboard and by all accounts saved the life of Brendan Woodcock.

IMAGES: VIDEO STILLS FILMED AND EDITED BY DAVID MCMASTER; ANDREW INGRAM

‘If it weren’t for Aden, I know I would have drowned – no doubt whatsoever.’ was so dazed and confused and had run out of options on what to do.’

He raised his hand and hoped that someone would get to him.

Aden had seen the late take-off, knew that Brendan would airdrop and might get pounded. ‘I knew that he was a strong swimmer and wasn’t really worried, but I kept an eye on him. Then I saw him put his hand up.’

Brendan disappeared under another wave.

‘It must have been a good 20 to 30 seconds and then he popped up out of nowhere in front of me. His eyes were rolling back and his hands were stiff. At that point I realised how intense it was.’

‘I grabbed the back of his wetsuit, pulled him onto my board and caught the rip out to a less intense area in the bay.’

You can see a video of the event as filmed by David McMaster at: https://vimeo.com/95652180

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 09

BALANCING ACT What do an architect, med student, entrepreneur, oceanography student and class-IV commercial diver have in common? A passion for the sea, helping others and a unique approach to balancing their very full and busy lives. By Cherelle Leong

A

t 30, Juan Pretorius is ONE of the youngest station commanders in NSRI and he’s held that position for five years. An architectural professional with his own business, he jokes that he’s a full-time station commander and part-time architect – but he wouldn’t have it any other way. ‘Just knowing you were part of a team that helped someone you saved see his family the next day makes it all worthwhile. Being a volunteer means you’re doing something because you want to. If NSRI didn’t exist, who else would go out when people need help?’ Juan admits that balancing work, volunteering and life can be challenging, especially in a small town like Port Alfred, where there’s a limited pool of people able to volunteer. But what they may lack in numbers they certainly seem to make up for in commitment. There have been

10 • Sea Rescue • SUMMER 2014

times when crew members were unavailable due to work. Others then cancelled their holiday plans and remained in town so that the rescue station would still be able to respond. ‘You do what needs to be done.

In effect NSRI, to me, is like a job, except you’re rewarded in other ways. The learning and experience you get are invaluable.

I simply make space for Sea Rescue in my life because it’s part of what I do.’

For Salim Dadabhay at Station 5 (Durban), life revolves around a very simple philosophy: Work for your needs, not your wants. It teaches you to appreciate what is important in life and not to chase after empty trappings. At 43, Salim is the father of two teenagers and husband to a beautiful wife, and has a successful business that supplies blinds and laminated flooring. He takes his

volunteer responsibilities at Sea Rescue seriously. A self-confessed adrenalin junkie, he joined Station 5 (Durban) in 2008. Up until then, life had had its challenges – he’d endured personal loss with the death of his brother, and had himself been hijacked and shot. He saw NSRI as an opportunity to give back, help people in distress, and in the process gain knowledge and experience. To Salim, volunteering has the benefit of doing good and being good. It’s that balance where he gets to enjoy adventure, share learning experiences with like-minded people and give back. It’s having a life worth something and NSRI is a big part of that.

Marc de Vos has a love of the sea that is evidenced in almost all aspects of his life. A coxswain at Station 3 (Table Bay), and crew member at Station 29 (Airborne

crew stories

PHOTOGRAPHS: supplied

Left to right: Juan Pretorius (during the 2012 Port Alfred floods); Salim Dadabhay; and Marc de Vos (right) with his friend and NSRI coxswain Tomé Mendes. Below: Carol Cunninghame.

Sea Rescue), he is also a freelance classIV commercial diver and an oceanography student currently completing his BSc Honours thesis. In between all of that, he works three afternoons a week at a kayak shop and takes tourists on kayak tours on the weekends. ‘I find that if you have a good understanding of your responsibilities it’s easier to manage your time. And it helps to have employers, lecturers and family who are supportive.’ Since joining NSRI in 2009, Marc claims he has a reason to work harder and has become at least 150% more productive. ‘If you have something you’re passionate about, you’ll make time for it in your life.’ Wise words from a 24-year-old!

‘Of course, sometimes it’s tough to strike a balance and there are sacrifices. For me, it’s been mostly on the social side, but it’s not difficult to say no to a Saturday-night party when you’ve been at sea all day.’

For first-year med student Carol Cunninghame, volunteering is part of her career and life. ‘Emergency medicine is what I’ve always wanted to do. Being part of Sea Rescue gives me practical real-life experience that I couldn’t get anywhere else.’ It was a fellow student who introduced her to NSRI. ‘After every weekend I’d have to sit through hearing what they’d done for training. It sounded

‘I find that if you have a good understanding of your responsibilities it’s easier to manage your time.’

so epic, I just had to check it out.’ Even though she’s only 24, Carol has an inspiring story. She first worked her way through one year of BSc Engineering, three years of BSc Genetics and Physiology, and a month of military basics before being accepted to study medicine at UCT. At NSRI, even though she suffered chronic bouts of sea sickness almost every time she stepped on a boat, Carol remained an active part of the crew, focusing on what she could do rather than what she couldn’t – which included completing her Level 5 BAA First Aid Course and becoming a crew medic at Station 8 (Hout Bay). She recently qualified as a rescue swimmer at Station 29 (Airborne Sea Rescue).

In 2013 she climbed Kilimanjaro, choosing to spend her graduation day on the summit rather than at the ceremony. So how does Carol balance her studies, life and volunteering?

‘You find a way,’ she says with a smile. ‘There have been times I’ve left lectures to respond to a call and other times I’ve just had to watch the messages come through, wishing I was there. I don’t think about it too much. I just know what I can or can’t do, what’s important and what’s not, and the rest just falls into place.’

For Cleeve Robertson, CEO of Sea Rescue, balancing work, life and volunteering is an important part of his management philosophy. ‘Being a volunteer is like having a second job that needs to be balanced with your work and home life. NSRI couldn’t exist without the volunteers and the support of their families, so in the same way we need to look after our crew and their families, being careful not to ask more than they can give, and helping them to train and manage the situations they go into.’

For most NSRI volunteers, though, it seems the passion and reward of being involved actually helps provide the balance in other areas of their life more effectively.

As Salim says, doing good and being good go hand in hand. SR

Sea Rescue • SUMMER 2014 • 11

The Cape West Coast has often been regarded as one of the finest places for wind-propelled watersports.

We stopped off at a few kiteboarding schools to find out where the appeal lies. By Wendy Maritz

WIND

12 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK, LUCY LEHEILLEIX

CHASING THE

LEISURE

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK, LUCY LEHEILLEIX

W

HILE LANGEBAAN ENJOYS A STEADY stream of visitors throughout the year, there comes a time, usually around November each year, when the little West Coast town undergoes something of a metamorphosis. The rugged terrain, indigenous fauna and flora, excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities account, in part, for the town’s appeal. But it’s the miles of lagoon that bring the droves of visitors, quite literally, from far and wide. Lagoon and wind, that is. On any one day you’ll recognise German, Italian and even Polish being spoken in between the local banter. And more often than not, you’ll find wetsuits and kiteboarding equipment attached to these foreign bodies.

The season typically lasts from November to the end of March, and the lagoon and its shoreline become transformed into a moving mosaic of colour as seasoned pros and eager learners take to the water. The added appeal of Langebaan is that there are a number of kiteboarding instruction facilities that certainly can be included on the town’s list of tourist attractions.

Kiteboarding is a relatively young sport and was, in fact, regarded as something of an extreme pastime in its development years from the mid’80s to the mid-’90s. (The birth of kiteboarding as a mainstream sport was in 1998, when the first kiteboarding event took place on Maui in Hawaii.

The competition was rather jokingly called the Kitesurfing World Championships and played host to all the big names in kiteboarding at the time – all 25 of them!)

Back then, there were no instructors: enthusiasts were learning by trial and error, and equipment was experimental. Jump to the present and you have one of the fastest growing and most popular watersports in the world, and the technology is evolving all the time. Wesley Fourie, owner of Constantly Kiting Kitesurfing Center in Langebaan, has seen this phenomenal growth since opening his kiteboarding training centre just over eight years ago. Before that, Wesley spent close to a decade living in the UK, working for big-name watersportequipment brands Naish and Solent Sailboards. At the same time, he honed his kiteboarding skills in the harsher, colder waters off Southampton and Calshot Spit, along the UK south coast. ‘This was a very good experience… real training. I learnt a lot about safety and I grew with the sport,’ he says.

After a job offer with Cabrinha in Hong Kong fell through, Wesley felt a natural pull towards home. Having grown up in Cape Town and literally spending every weekend on the West Coast as a

youngster, the idea of opening his own business in the form of a kiteboarding instruction centre became very appealing. ‘My brother and I spent a lot of time fishing with my dad; we got to know every spot in the lagoon and along the coastline from Yzerfontein to Jacobsbaai. This West Coast gets into your blood,’ he smiles.

Wesley believes that Langebaan is one of the best places in the world to learn how to kiteboard. (He cites Egypt and Brazil as among the others.) ‘You’re being taught in a “closed” area, which makes it a safer learning location, and we have consistent and favourable wind here. A big bonus is that the town is accessible from Cape Town – about an hour and 40 minutes’ drive from the airport – and there is plenty of accommodation.’ And, considering that the lagoon is flat, beginners aren’t dealing with waves and the daunting choppy surf of an ocean shoreline. Plus you have plenty of space to launch.

Esti and Anthony Teale, owners of Cape Sports Center in Langebaan have seen first-hand how kiteboarding has taken off in the last decade and a half. They opened their business as a windsurfing rental station in 1993 and since then have adapted and expanded as the popularity of other waterbased activities, such as kiteboarding and stand-up paddling, have grown. For them, windsurfing will always be number one, but they recognise why kiteboarding has become so appealing. ‘Kiteboarding became to windsurfing what snowboarding became to skiing,’ Esti smiles. ‘There’s a lot less stuff to carry around, for a start,’ she acknowledges, ‘and you can learn the basics fairly quickly. It also appeals to a wide range of people, from kids as young as 10 to 70-year-olds.’

Beginner lessons are typically conducted in 10-hour sessions, and include handling a trainer kite, prelaunch checks and setup, assessing the conditions, water safety, body dragging and board work. After this, learners may be advised to take additional lessons, depending on how they have fared, or if they wish to advance the skills they’ve learnt.

Both Wesley and Esti are big on the safety aspect.

Kiteboarding may look like a breeze when you’re watching more experienced kiters but ‘it’s not to be taken lightly’, Wesley advises. It’s a physically demanding sport that requires a fair bit of intuition and savvy, and the latter develops with time and experience. ‘We like to teach people in groups of two,’ he says, ‘thereby encouraging the idea of not going out on the water alone.’ Which brings Wesley to safety point number one. ‘Don’t go kiting alone if you’re a beginner, and make sure that the conditions

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 13

LIESURE

are in your favour.’ The second point is to make sure that all your equipment is in working order – another good reason to team up with a buddy so that you can cross-check. ‘Get to know the conditions,’ Esti adds. Any large body of water has currents, and the wind can pick up or change without warning. A consistent cross-shore or cross-onshore wind of 10 to 35 knots is ideal. Offshore wind carries with it the risk of being blown away from shore, and direct onshore wind can drag the kiter onto land. ‘Wear a buoyancy vest and helmet, get a board leash and carry your cellphone in a waterproof pouch,’ says Esti. ‘We also advise kiters not to go out in the early evening. [A good way to judge is to look at the distance between the horizon and the sun. If you hold your hand horizontally, this distance shouldn’t be less than four fingers.] Nobody wants to get into trouble on the water when it will soon become too dark for anyone to find them. And, if you do decide to go out alone, always make sure you tell a friend where you’re going to kite, and what time you’ll be back. And stick to that protocol, so that if something happens, your friend can take action. If you do happen to lose any equipment, report that it has been lost when you get back to shore. If equipment is spotted floating or moving on the water, people may assume someone is in trouble and start a search,’ she adds.

Safety protocols and ‘what to do if’ scenarios are covered extensively in the training course, Wesley says. It’s important that people go away with good experience. ‘That’s what we are here for,’ he smiles.

And if the numbers are any indication of the success of Langebaan’s training faciltities, then that ‘good experience’ is exactly what is being achieved. And with a healthy dose of West Coast hospitality thrown in, most people will be back next year for another season of chasing the wind.

Visit the South African Kitesurfing Association at www.saka.co.za for more information. SR

14 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

STAY SAFE ON THE WATER Station 18 (Melkbosstrand) station commander Rhine Barnes recommends the following safety protocols for kiteboarders, as well as advice on what to do if it looks like someone is in trouble on the water. ›› If you are new to the sport, get some training from a professional instructor. ›› Never kiteboard outside of your capability range. Ensure your equipment is suited for the conditions and that it is always in good order.

›› Make sure you are fit and capable, as kiteboarding can be very physically demanding. ›› Never kiteboard alone. Always let a responsible person know where you will be kiteboarding and at what time you will be returning.

›› Always wear a wetsuit, a buoyancy vest and a helmet. ›› Wave your arms above your head if you need help. This will attract the attention of people on the beach.

›› Carry a cellphone in a waterproof container with the Sea Rescue emergency number on speed dial.

›› Carry a combination smoke marker/flare in your kit. The smoke marker is effective for daytime and the flare for when it gets dark. These are small and compact but very effective.

›› Place a card with your cellphone number and the colour (description) of your kite in your vehicle windscreen. This will assist us if we are searching for a missing kiteboarder.

›› Always notify your local Sea Rescue station if you have abandoned any equipment at sea.

Provide a description of the equipment, especially the kite.

›› If you are waiting to be rescued, get your lines rolled up and out of the way. This will prevent rescuers from becoming entangled.

›› Do not kiteboard after sunset. If you get into trouble, it will be dark by the time rescuers arrive on the scene.

›› Write your name and phone number on your board and kite – if we find it abandoned, we can call and check if you are OK, otherwise we will launch a search.

TIPS FOR THE PUBLIC

›› If you see a kiteboarder in trouble, take careful note of the kite’s colour and any distinguishing patterns or wording before reporting the emergency.

›› When you call in to report a person in difficulty, provide the emergency call centre with your name and phone number as well as your location. Give a description of the emergency.

›› Take note of your position and the position/direction of the kite as well as the time. This will help with determining the speed and direction of the drift.

›› Keep an eye on the kiteboarder and remain where you are. We will try to get someone to your position to assist as soon as we can. Don’t leave the area. You may be asked to guide the rescue boat by telling them to go left or right, further or closer. ›› If the kiteboarder abandons his/her equipment and swims to the beach, let the rescuers know but keep track of the kiteboarder if at all possible. ›› If the kiteboarder has been injured, let the authorities know as this could impact on the outcome of the rescue. ›› Let the authorities know as soon as the kiteboarder is safe on the beach in order to prevent a fruitless search-and-rescue operation.

ADVERTORIAL

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION? UV levels, especially during summer. Since the early 1990s, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has maintained a Solar Light UV biometer network in the main centres around the country to keep the public informed of daily UV levels (known as a UV index). The network was improved this year, with better UVA and UVB sensors, which will add to SAWS’ ability to provide the public with information.

The sun is a major source of ultraviolet rays.

Although the sun emits different kinds of electromagnetic radiation, 99% of its rays are in the form of visible light, ultraviolet rays and infrared rays (known as heat).

Ultraviolet rays can be divided into three wavelength bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. The classification refers to how much energy they contain – UVC has the most and is the most harmful, and UVA has the least, and is less harmful. UVC rays don’t reach the earth’s surface, as their energy is broken down by the outer layer of the earth’s atmosphere. (Man-produced UVC rays are encountered in welding, for example, where overexposure can result in painful burns to the cornea, known as welder’s flash.)

UVB rays have a lower energy and a longer wavelength, and are able to pass down to the earth; whereas UVA reaches the earth almost entirely unfiltered by the atmosphere. Both UVA and UVB can be harmful to our health, and precautions need to be taken to ensure adequate protection,

including avoiding being in the sun between 11am and 4pm, wearing protective clothing and applying appropriate sun protection cream.

WHAT AFFECTS UVA AND UVB RADIATION? 1. TIME OF DAY: UV levels are not constant over the course of the day. At noon, for example, the electromagnetic waves from the sun travel a much shorter path through the atmosphere than they would at 5pm, hence noontime intensity is much stronger.

2. OZONE: In general, ozone depletion in the stratosphere (although showing signs of recovery) means that countries like Australia and South Africa are susceptible to higher amounts of UVA and UVB radiation, which has resulted in the two countries being rated number one and two respectively for skin cancer prevalence worldwide.

3. CLOUDS: UV levels are usually lower on

Follow us on

@SAWeatherServic

Weather lines: *120*555# or 083 123 0500 An entity of the Department of Environmental Affairs

www.weathersa.co.za

DAMAGING EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION The negative effects of UV rays have been well documented. Both UVA and UVB are needed for the synthesis of vitamin D, but overexposure can result in long-term damage and a higher risk of malignant melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in South Africa, and everyone is urged to take protective measures when out in the sun, including avoiding peak heat times around noon when the UV rays are at their sharpest.

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

South Africa is a sunny country with exceptionally high and dangerous

cloudy days as clouds can deflect the rays back up into space. However, it’s important to note that the opposite is true if the sun is not obscured by clouds.

Clouds in the vicinity of the sun can reflect additional radiation to the ground.

4. ALTITUDE: UV levels increase by about 4% for every 1000-foot gain in altitude.

The increase is as a result of thinner atmosphere with a smaller number of molecules being present to absorb or scatter UV rays.

5. LAND FEATURES: Sand, snow and water tend to reflect UV rays (a phenomenon called albedo).

6. EQUATORIAL AREAS: UV exposure is greater along the equator. The sun is higher in the sky at low latitudes. Also, the ozone layer is thinner at the equator, which contributes to more UV.

SAFETY

Summer

The much-anticipated summer holidays are just around the corner. Taking precautions in and out of the water is key to enjoying a well-deserved and safe holiday season.

By Wendy Maritz

BE SUN-SAVVY Protecting your skin, keeping hydrated and avoiding the sun during peak heat times are still the core messages as far as sun safety goes. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) advises all South Africans to be vigilant, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in this country, with about 20 000 reported cases each year. Globally, we have the second highest rate of skin cancer after Australia. Both countries are affected by the depletion of the ozone layer, which acts as a protective shield against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

16 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

The broader UVB rays are what cause our skin to change colour (what we call tanning), often resulting in sunburn and blistering, which can ultimately lead to skin spots and cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can damage the structure of the cells, causing ageing, as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer in the form of malignant melanomas.

Everyone is at risk, warns CANSA, especially those with fair skin, red hair, moles or skin spots, as well as people with a family history of skin cancer, those who play sport outdoors, work in the sun or spend a lot of time driving. At least 80% of suninduced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests later in life. It’s therefore very important, CANSA advises, that we protect our children against the sun’s harmful rays, and teach them to be sun smart. Babies under the age of one year should never be exposed to direct sunlight.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK

SAFETY GUIDE

VOLVO PENTA

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK

SUN-SMART STRATEGIES ›› Use sunscreen every day, preferably one that bears the CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR) logo. A broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of between 20 and 50, depending on your skin type, will help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply 20 minutes prior to exposure, and if you’re planning to be outdoors, reapply liberally (not forgetting the back of your neck, ears, nose, feet and hands) every two hours. And remember your lips – a lip balm with an SPF of 30 is ideal. ›› Plan around peak sun hours, and avoid outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm. UV intensity is determined by the angle of the sun’s rays, not the temperature. So, take protective measures even when it’s overcast and/or windy. ›› Don’t burn – it’s not worth the discomfort and potential long-term damage. The risk of skin cancer doubles if you have more than five sunburns in your lifetime. ›› Wear a thickly woven broad-rimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses (with a rating of UV400), and UV-protective swim- and beachwear. ›› Take an umbrella on your outdoor excursion, and remember that UV rays reflect off grass, glass, cement and water. ›› Avoid sunbeds at all costs.

CANSA also advises monthly ‘spot the spot’ self-checks.

Common moles are round and symmetrical; are smooth with even borders and are a single shade of brown or black. When moles become asymmetrical, their borders become irregular or scalloped, they change in colour, are larger than 6mm in diameter, or they grow bigger and become more prominent, it’s advisable to see your healthcare professional without delay.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: ›› The Cancer Association of South Africa: www.cansa.org.za ›› Save our Skin: www.saveourskin.co.za ›› Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa: www.skincancerfoundation.org.za

BEACH SAFETY South Africa has thousands of kilometres of gorgeous coastline, and plenty of fabulous beaches for visitors and locals to enjoy over the holiday season. To ensure a safe and fun time for you and your family, a healthy respect for the ocean and following standard safety protocols are essential. ›› Take some time to read the information that appears on the notice boards that are usually placed in the parking areas at most popular swimming beaches. These highlight safety information, beach regulations, such as not lighting fires or drinking alcohol, whether lifeguards are on duty, and who to call in an emergency. ›› Lifeguards are there to manage beach safety protocols. Red and yellow flags demarcate the safest swimming area on the beach, and swimmers are advised to stay in this safe zone. ›› If you find yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguard’s attention. ›› If you see someone else in trouble, alert the lifeguards, or call for emergency help. Don’t put your own life in danger. This often results in two people needing help instead of one. ›› Inflatables that are meant for swimming pools should not be used in the surf. They are usually light and can be carried away by the wind or tide, taking children with them or tempting children to go after them. ›› Selected beaches have shark nets or flags indicating the presence of sharks. Green indicates that no sharks have been spotted; a black flag means that the water is too murky to see sharks; red shows that a shark has been spotted that day, but is no longer visible to spotters; and a white flag with a black shark means a shark has been spotted and you shouldn’t be in the water. Some beaches have sirens that sound if a shark is spotted. If this happens, stay calm and leave the water as quickly as possible. SR

A Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches that meet excellence in the areas of safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards. The criteria are set by the international coordinators of the Blue Flag campaign in Europe, the Foundation for Environmental Education.

In South Africa, the programme is managed by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa), along with participating local authorities under the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Coastcare initiative. South Africa is the first country outside Europe to win Blue Flag

accreditation for its beaches. For a list of beaches and marinas that conform to the necessary criteria, visit www.blueflag.org.za.

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REAL-LIFE RESCUE

unforgettable An

moment

The rescue of an animal in distress is reward in itself, but this particular crew were in for a little surprise, says Cherelle Leong

T

approach. As coxswain Jonathan Tufts slowly manoeuvred into place, Daniel and John Fletcher prepared the cutting gear in the bow of the boat.

Humpback whales are relatively calm but, like any animal that is threatened, will retaliate. Disentanglement has to be approached with extreme caution, as Daniel knew so well from experience.

Because the whale was not very mobile they were able to get close, and started picking away at the lines with a short boom.

At the first cut the whale thrashed, forcing them to back off. But as they approached again it calmed down, almost as though it sensed they were there to help.

With seven wraps around the tail, including three buoys, the lines were cut one by one and pulled free. Jonathan had his hands full, constantly manoeuvring so that they were never broadside of the whale. Next to him, Sheryl Grobler kept a careful watch, as did Mark Boyers in the stern of the boat.

As the last tail wrap was cut, the whale straightened itself. It was then that the

volunteers noticed another loop embedded around the pectoral fin. Working quickly, they cut and gently pulled the line free.

But even that wasn’t the last of it! Another line trailed from its mouth. With a rope in the mouth, a whale cannot feed properly and may eventually starve to death.

Getting that rope out was vital. Daniel and Jonathan made one last cut and, with a tug, the rope slipped free.

Slowly the whale started to swim – in small circles at first, and then gradually further. As the crew revelled in the moment, they were in for one last surprise. Diving under, the whale came up again close to the boat. It’s called spy-hopping when a whale emerges vertically from the water. Close up, the whale eyed the boat, as though thanking each crewperson in turn. And then it sank down gracefully, nudging the boat ever so gently as it submerged its massive bulk. The brilliance of the sunset was no match for the euphoric feeling experienced by the crew – and their silence on the boat trip back told of the magic of that moment. SR

PHOTOGRAPHS: DANIEL HEIMANN

EN YEARS AGO A HUMPBACK whale side-swiped the boat coxswain Daniel Heimann was on, sending him to hospital with suspected broken ribs.

Since then Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) has been one of the Sea Rescue stations trained

by Mike Meyer and The South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) to know how to approach and help entangled whales – specifically so that accidents like this could be avoided in future. As it happened, on 27 July this year, when the call came through about a whale in distress, Daniel was part of the crew that responded.

The whale’s location was an hour away.

After travelling at speed, the 7.3m Eikos Rescuer 4 arrived on scene at 17h00 to find an 8m humpback whale so severely entangled that it was bent in a U-shape.

A second standby boat was still an hour away. With only 45 minutes before sunset, there’d be no daylight left in which to work if the crew waited. By the next morning the whale could be anywhere or, worse still, dead. It was now or never – and Mike agreed, giving them the go-ahead to

18 • SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2014

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The east coast beckons – and there’s a spot just waiting for you in this diverse, rugged and undisturbed natural wonderland STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE HOFMEYR

Hidden treasures

Wild Coast

ON THE

T

HE WILD COAST IS AN EXPLORER’S PLAYGROUND WHERE WAVES EXPLODE against precipitous cliffs, footprint-less beaches abound, perennially green hills descend into deep river valleys, and cows roam everywhere. The roads are bad and the signage even worse, but venture off the main routes and you’ll be rewarded with secluded splendour.

Start off your Wild Coast trip with a memorable experience – crossing the sluggish Kei River on a pont. The Kei Pont is one of only two remaining vehicle-transporting ponts in the country, and you’ll inevitably share the crossing with cows, goats and a local taxi or two.

MEET THE DWESA AND CWEBE SISTERS I camped at Dwesa Nature Reserve a few years ago over the Easter long weekend. We were the only visitors, so our family had the extended grassy terrace, spreading indigenous trees, a river running through the campsite and a pristine beach all to ourselves. Although, a doublecollared sunbird, a pigmy kingfisher and a pair of fish eagles made daily visits.

Dwesa and Cwebe are two sister reserves separated by the Mbashe River.

Their obscurity has quite a bit to do with the roads accessing them – getting there requires steely determination and a smattering of Xhosa. Together they conserve one of the biggest tracts of

20 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

indigenous coastal forest in the Eastern Cape, which is partly the reason for the prolific bird life – more than 290 species have been recorded. Be prepared to walk, as footpaths take you everywhere you might want to go. On foot is also a fine way to see some of the game animals that have been reintroduced to Dwesa, including buffalo, eland, wildebeest, zebra, warthog and crocodiles.

Dwesa is about two hours’ drive from Dutywa and offers camping and selfcatering cabins. Call Dwesa Reservations on (043) 701-9600 or Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism on (047) 531-5290.

In Cwebe the only accommodation is The Haven Hotel, www.havenhotel.co.za

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AT BULUNGULA LODGE Bulungula Backpackers Lodge isn’t quite as ‘hidden’ as it was when I first came across it seven years ago but it’s still an off-the-beaten-track gem.

Somewhere south of Coffee Bay, the cluster of rondavels perch on a grassy headland above a horseshoe bend in the Bulungula River, shortly before it meets the ocean on a long, wild beach. Named by Rough Guides as one of the 25 top ethical destinations worldwide, the lodge runs on solar power, and offers 10 theme-painted huts with colourful lizard motifs in the loos and showers that resemble rockets. Lean back in your chair at the fireside at night and you’re guaranteed to see shooting stars – or you’ll get that night’s fee back.

Because the lodge is partly owned by the surrounding Nqileni village, there’s a congenial vibe between guests and community. So experience the simple life with the village women by helping them make bricks, pound maize, cook in an iron pot over the fire, brew beer and collect

firewood. Or you could chill in a hammock, swim, fish, canoe, surf or mountain-bike.

There’s rustic camping, rondavels, catered meals and a self-catering kitchen. Call (047) 577-8900 or 083 391 5525, or go to www.bulungula.com CATCH A RIDE AT MDUMBI Just south of Coffee Bay is Hole-inthe-Wall, surely the most iconic and well-known image of the Wild Coast. But take the back roads north out of Coffee Bay and you’ll come to Mdumbi, a rural village and beach that made Getaway magazine’s top beaches in South Africa list. Book a traditional Xhosa-style hut or pitch your tent at Mdumbi Backpackers on the hill overlooking a river estuary and a perfect beach for surfing, fishing and safe swimming.

The lodge, which is more of a traveller’s retreat than a backpackers, is well integrated with the local community.

Thirty percent of the venture is owned by local employees, and most of the activities are run by the villagers themselves. So

join Lusanda for a hike to Mapuzi Caves for a bit of cliff jumping, kayak up the river spotting birds with the knowledgeable Notshana, or ride a horse along the beach.

When the banks are right and the swell is pushing, Mdumbi Point offers a kilometrelong surf ride. And if you’re a beginner or less proficient surfer, there are lessons to get you up and riding.

Mdumbi Café offers wholesome meals as well as a self-catering kitchen. As part of their community initiative, staff at the lodge can hook you up with local village accommodation. Call 083 461 1834 or go to www.mdumbi.co.za WATERFALL WONDERLAND AT MBOTYI You won’t find much on the Pondoland coastline between Port St Johns and Port Edward except hammering waves, waterfalls, desolate beaches, the odd ox cart – and Mbotyi. Nestled at the foot of an escarpment, a steep descent through the Magwa Tea Plantations leads to a little hamlet dotted around a lagoon and secluded beach. This is Mbotyi, a place

If spectacular beaches

are your thing, it’s worth taking a day or overnight trip from Mdumbi to Hluleka (20km south of Port St Johns). The unspoilt sandy cove is surrounded by the coastal forest of the Hluleka Nature Reserve (there are self-catering huts here too), and you might even spot otter tracks in the sand.

Left to right: At Bulungula Backpackers Lodge there is plenty of natural beauty to immerse yourself in, plus it’s good to know it has been named as one of the 25 top ethical destinations worldwide; from Mdumbi, enjoy hiking, cliff jumping, kayaking or bird watching; a waterfall wonderland awaits at Mbotyi.

to beach, canoe, fish, experience a bit of Pondo culture, visit a sangoma and hike, hike, hike… along beaches, up rugged sandstone cliffs and through pristine forest to a multitude of waterfalls.

One must-do hike is along the coast, via Cathedral Rock to Waterfall Bluff, where the river plunges over rugged cliffs straight into the sea. You can clamber round the amphitheatre-like rocks to right behind the falling curtain.

And, on the subject of waterfalls, the Magwa Falls further inland have been likened to Victoria Falls, but on a much smaller scale. The water plunges 144m into a narrow gorge with vertical sides. I hiked for hours up the gorge to the base of the falls, but you can drive to the top of the falls from Lusikisiki. For mountain-bikers, there’s a route from Mbotyi that takes in Magwa as well as another route that passes the Angel Falls.

Book at the Mbotyi River Lodge, a familyrun hotel that is a bit of a hidden gem in itself. They will set you up with local hiking and cycling guides, and generally make your stay memorable. Call 082 674 1064 or go to www.mbotyi.co.za SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 21

SUPPORTERS

S Holly Bellingham and Simon Turner are combining their love of wine making and the sea with raising awareness for Sea Rescue, both locally and abroad.

By Sophie Young PHOTOGRAPHS BY HOLLY BELLINGHAM

UMARIDGE ESTATE WINES LIES between two imposing mountain ranges in the Western Cape’s aptly named Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – truly ‘heaven and earth’ – with amazing views of Walker Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. The estate takes its name from the late George Sumaris, who laid to vine what was originally four fruit farms in the mid-1990s.

The Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is one of four viticultural areas of the greater Walker Bay District, well known for the influence of the cold maritime air blown off the Benguela current flowing offshore, all the way from Antarctica.

The valley is renowned for producing worldclass ‘cool climate’ Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and, again this year, Sumaridge won a Gold Medal from the International Wine Challenge for its 2012 Chardonnay. Syrah, Pinotage and Merlot are also grown on the estate. Epitome, the estate’s premium red blend, was in the top five of the Perold ABSA Cape Blend Competition.

Gavin Patterson, wine maker and viticulturist at Sumaridge since 2005, wanted to create a white blend and strived for an exacting balance in expression that ultimately illustrates the inherent qualities that embody the farm’s maritime location. ‘We believe that the cool maritime breezes add a touch of magic to our grapes,’ he says.

‘This wine is made using predominantly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes selected from the more elevated and exposed slopes with coarse-grained soils.’

In recognition of the site and the beauty of the surroundings, the wine was named Maritimus – from the Latin, meaning pertaining to and of the sea. The wine shows poise and finesse distinguished by an expansive mid-palate weight and a lingering lively finish. It is no coincidence that Maritimus is a serious seafood wine!

The Bellingham Turner family became the owners of Sumaridge in 2008. Although Holly

HEAVEN on EARTH A BIT OF

22 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

‘When Gavin created the Maritimus, we all felt that it was only fitting to show Sumaridge’s support for Station 17 (Hermanus) with a donation for every bottle we produce.’

and Simon are both from the UK they have spent much time in Hermanus, and have got to know a lot of wine-farm owners and wine makers in the valley. When Sumaridge came on the market, they made the life-changing decision to buy the estate and now split their time between Hermanus and Suffolk.

Both Holly and Simon have strong links with the sea. Holly’s parents were serving officers in the Royal Navy both during and after World War II. Her father remained a keen yachtsman for many years. Having survived when HMS Cornwall was sunk in 1942, Holly’s father spent time recovering in Umhlanga, and she still has photos from the time he spent there.

Simon grew up on the East Coast of England, where his father was an enthusiastic fisherman and his parents were avid sailors.

Simon’s mother, Pam, is a huge supporter of the UK’s equivalent of the NSRI – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). In particular, Pam supports her local life-boat station, Walton and Frinton, which is more than 120 years old.

For some years, Simon and Holly have been lucky enough to own a family holiday home in Hermanus overlooking Grotto beach, and along with their family they have witnessed the Atlantic Ocean in all her moods, from millpond tranquillity to truly malevolent.

While the members of this family love being by the sea and never tire of watching and listening to it, they all have a healthy respect for it. Over the years Holly and Simon have both known people to have tragic accidents fishing, sailing and swimming, and they believe the sea is a force to be respected and revered as much as it is loved and appreciated.

Like everyone, they have huge admiration for the courage of all the search-and-rescue

Opposite: Sumaridge has won a number of awards since the estate was established in the mid-1990s.

This page (from top): The Hemel-enAarde Valley near Hermanus is home to a number of estates that benefit from the cold maritime air; convivial times at the estate dam; the view of Walker Bay from the estate.

station staff, as well as the wives, mothers and girlfriends! As Holly says, ‘They also serve who sit and wait.’

They’ve also been inspired by the WaterWise Academy. Holly explains: ‘Simon and I have four teenagers who all enjoy swimming and water sports. They were lucky to have learnt to swim at a young age, but it was the WaterWise campaign that showed them – and me – how to recognise rip tides. A valuable lesson for us all.’

‘When Gavin created the Maritimus, we all felt that it was only fitting to show Sumaridge’s support for Station 17 with a donation of one rand for every bottle we produce – currently 16 000 bottles a year,’ Simon says. ‘While we appreciate that an annual donation of this extent is not life-changing, we hope that the new back label, reflecting the association Sumaridge has with Station 17, will also help to raise awareness, both in South Africa and overseas, of the invaluable work of the NSRI.’ Holly and Simon are optimistic about organising an exciting fundraising event in London in the near future – but Holly is keeping plans for that under wraps just for the moment. SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 23

SKILLS

Teaching

learning

AND

It was Mahatma Gandhi who said, ‘Physical training should have as much place in the curriculum as mental training.’

And the NSRI is doing just that STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY ANDREW INGRAM

T

HE 5.5M RESCUE BOAT WAS at an impossible angle. The port pontoon was submerged and the boat had passed the point of no return.

She was going over. Someone shouted, ‘Hold on!’

The crew turned their faces away from the cold water and there was a reverberating thump.

And then silence.

Ripples spread from the upturned hull and at last a shout from underneath: ‘All OK?’ And then, one at a time, the crew popped out from under the hull and started the drill that they’d been taught to right the boat.

For all of the candidates on the coxswain finishing course held in Cape Town, this was the first and hopefully the last time they’d be in a boat that capsized.

They were all fascinated at the acute angle from the horizontal to which the rescue boat had to be lifted by

24 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

Far left: The crew have activated the capsize bottle and the boat is flipped upright.

Left: The coxswains are briefed by Brett Ayres and Graeme Harding before the exercise.

Below: The first candidates: (top row) John Nicholas, Choppie Lindstrom, Adrian Scholtz, Graeme Harding, Rod Pitter, Daniel Heimann Brett Ayres; (middle) Hilton Kennedy, Wendy Serfontein, Mark Hughes, Shaun Kotze; (bottom) Edward Rossouw, Niel Jones, Heinrich Niehaus, Rudi Rogers. Bottom left: The 5.5 training rescue boat (with dummy motors) is turned over at the Survival Centre.

the crane before she went over.

And they all felt that it was much easier and safer than they thought it would be.

One of the biggest challenges facing Sea Rescue lies in our training.

Great effort and investment are put into providing our crews with the best equipment, vessels and training possible.

Our volunteers are, after all, going to launch their rescue boats in appalling conditions. And to do this they should be equipped with the best gear, experience and knowledge that money can buy.

Training does not happen by accident.

Sea Rescue has a structured syllabus that covers all aspects of becoming an effective rescue volunteer. At the higher level, the coxswains, who are in charge of a rescue vessel at sea and lead the rescue operations, need to be excellent seamen who are able to operate under extremely stressful situations.

But there is more to being a coxswain than experience and qualifications alone…

Always looking at improving ways of doing things, Sea Rescue embarked on a new programme that involves bringing all new coxswain candidates to a central training location and putting them through their paces. The course puts the final touches to the years of training their respective stations have given them on their route to becoming an operational coxswain.

The coxswains ... need to be excellent seamen who are able to operate under extremely stressful situations The candidates on the first course, chosen from stations countrywide, walked tentatively into the ‘exam room’ for what turned out to be one of the most challenging few days they have experienced.

It was tough, for sure. The candidates were in and out of wetsuits more often in four days than they usually are in four months. At the end of the course, they felt a great sense of accomplishment and a yearning to take the knowledge that they’d gained back to their stations.

Daniel Heimann, a qualified operational coxswain from Port Elizabeth with 10 years’ experience, put it this way: ‘Even though I have a Class 3 Coxswain ticket, the course was like climbing Mount

Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Survival Centre has partnered with NSRI for many years.

They freely offer us their facilities and expertise at no charge. The Survival Centre is situated in Granger Bay, next to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The enclosed harbour area and extensive training facilities have provided an ideal centre for maritime training over the past 35 years.

To find out more about the courses they offer, visit: www.cput.ac.za or www. facebook.com/SurvivalCentreGrangerBay

Everest… I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment and pride in the institute, its volunteers and myself after having done the training this weekend.’

Hosted by Hout Bay, Bakoven, Table Bay and Melkbosstrand stations, the candidates had the opportunity to be exposed to the operational procedures of these stations, with launch conditions ranging from a busy commercial harbour to rocky coast to a beach surf launch, and on a range of vessels. At each station, various tasks and scenarios were given to them, and they were scored according to strict criteria, with valuable debriefings from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable coxswains at Sea Rescue.

Adrian Scholtz from Kommetjie was also full of praise. ‘I seriously wish there was a bigger budget for more people to do this course. Everyone can only benefit from it.’

Before going home, the last presentation was at the Gemini factory, where the construction and features of what makes a Sea Rescue vessel so special were explained.

‘Coxswains were taken right out of their comfort zones. They went to sea at stations they are not familiar with, on vessels they have never helmed and with crews they have never worked with. And still they proved their leadership and boat-handling skills.

This is what makes them good coxswains,’ says Brett Ayres, NSRI operations manager and the course designer.

‘That course was a great example of the hearts that make this organisation as good as it is,’ Brett says.’ SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 25

BULLETIN BOARD

IN THE NEWS PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY OF THE DOWNWIND DASH

The Downwind Dash takes place every year at Langebaan Lagoon and attracts a number of local and international kite- and windsurfing enthusiasts.

30 YEARS OF MUTUAL SUPPORT The Downwind Dash, a race for windsurfers and kiters from Langebaan to Saldanha, was started by members of the Saldanha Beach Sailing Club, then newly formed, in 1984. The race was organised in order to raise funds for the building of a club house. Those were the days before the sport of kitesurfing started and the race was for windsurfers only. Not knowing how popular the event would be, how many entries they’d receive or what conditions would be like, the organisers decided to call on the rescue experts, Station 4 (Mykonos), to help ensure the safety of competitors.

The original course was over 17km, and although it wasn’t in the open sea, conditions in the

lagoon open to the mouth can be quite rough. The first event was supported by 40 entries, and it was soon apparent that sailors of varying ability would find themselves spread out over the full 17km. With the support of local sailors and fishermen and the port captain, a number of rescue boats were roped in.

The race was controlled from the port captain’s tower, from which the whole course could be viewed. The original concept and organisation have remained pretty much unaltered over the years, with the course increasing to a total distance of 20km.

The event has always been open to all and, although it attracts many top South African and overseas competitors, the

majority of those taking part see it as the highlight of the year, when they can tackle the challenging conditions with friends and relatives, and enjoy a great party at the prizegiving

and could not continue were safely brought to shore.

Over the years the race has contributed to NSRI funds with amounts ranging from R500 for the first event 30 years ago to

The fastest overall time was by Peter Slate in 1995 in extreme conditions. He took 18 minutes to complete the course at an average speed of close to 60km/h. in the evening. The fastest overall time was achieved by Peter Slate in 1995 in extreme conditions. He took 18 minutes to complete the course at an average speed of close to 60km/h. In such conditions, thanks to the NSRI and other rescue craft, all those who fell

R9 000 in 2012 and R7 500 in 2013. Thanks to Station 4 for 30 years of safe racing and fun for a few thousand windsurfers and kiteboarders – and thanks to the event organisers for a long-term commitment that has produced a significant contribution to our funds.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD PARTNERSHIPS: BAGTECH INTERNATIONAL • BRAND ENGINEERING • COHESIVE CAPITAL • DE BEERS MARINE • KYTA MANUFACTURING • LUSITANIA MARKETING SERVICES • MACS MARITIME SHIPPING • MARSH AFRICA • PREMIER FISHING • SMI • VIKING FISHING

26 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

WEAR OUR JERSEY WITH PRIDE We’re thrilled to announce that we have a signature Sea Rescue cycle jersey this year that can be worn during the Cape Town Cycle Tour, previously known as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. If you aren’t planning to do the race but want to buy the jersey, we’d be happy to sell you one at R400 but ask that you go the extra mile to be polite and well mannered on the roads, as we treasure our brand and reputation. Email Natasha on info@searescue.org.za for more information.

NEW RESCUE BASE OPENS IN LAMBERT’S BAY

ROOM AT THE INN

BE A HERO CAMPAIGN The winner of this competition was Michael de Jongh, who chose his wife, Nicolette, as his friend to ‘Be a Hero for a Day’. Michael and Nicolette won the opportunity to attend a training session with our Sea Rescue volunteers and chose Station 18 (Melkbosstrand).

‘I would just like to thank the NSRI, especially the Melkbos station, for an absolutely unforgettable experience,’ says Michael. ‘Hats off to them, as I can see it’s a tough but very enjoyable job.’

PHOTOGRAPHS: MARNETTE MEYER

The cost of accommodation can be crippling, yet you will read on page 24 how valuable it is to train outside of your area and away from your normal crew. So if you own a B&B, guest house or holiday home, and you’re willing to offer it to host NSRI crew who are on training courses at no charge, we’d be ever so grateful. Or perhaps you’d prefer to treat the volunteer crew in their off periods by offering a special discount when they take their families away on holiday – that would also mean so much to us.

Please email Meriel at merielb@searescue.org.za or call her on 082 994 7555 to discuss how you can get involved.

We have recently established a new rescue station on the West Coast. Station 24 (Lambert’s Bay) will serve the local fishing community. The station has a rescue vehicle and a 5.5m RIB the Douglas Murray. Eighteen volunteers came forward as the founding members of the new station, and their training in rescue is now well underway.

This West Coast community lives off the sea, and the new volunteers have excellent local knowledge. ‘We are pleased, after a process of consultation with the local community, that so many volunteers came forward,’ says Sea Rescue CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson. ‘Our aim is to be able to offer help quickly to the local subsistence fishers and fishing community, who sometimes get into difficulty … especially when the West Coast mist rolls in fast and they’re caught out at sea in very small boats without navigational aids.’

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 27

PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED

BULLETIN BOARD

THE SANDY BEACH RUN The Sandy is a 14km Beach Run from Umhlanga to Durban that was staged for the third time on 14 August 2014. This year the event was a smash hit with the Durban community: 1 500 people participated! We’re looking forward to growing this event, which highlights this beautiful stretch of coastline.

The Sandy starts on the beach at the Umhlanga Whalebone Pier and finishes 14km further at The Suncoast Casino. Participants cross the mouth of the Umgeni River at Blue Lagoon by way of a specially constructed floating bridge.

The Sandy is staged during a full-moon spring low tide in order to take advantage of the hard sand presented then. The event will take place again in August 2015 on the full-moon spring low tide.

SURFSKI PADDLERS’ FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

In 2006, Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay) and Station 29 (Airborne Sea Rescue) were instrumental in saving the life of surfskier Casper Kruger. After this event, organiser Billy Harker approached NSRI to start a surfski paddlers fundraising project. The result was a unique R25/month debit-order campaign using the database of surfski paddlers who participated in races Billy had organised.

This project has grown from strength to strength, and as at 1 August 2014 this group of surfski paddlers have contributed an incredible total of R2,8 million. The funds have been used to build rescue boats Spirit of Surfski 1 in Gordon’s Bay, and the new Spirit of Surfski 2 in Simon’s Town, which will be officially launched and blessed at a ceremony on Friday 12 December.

In the words of Billy Harker: ‘How freakin’ awesome is that?’

Thank you to the surfski paddling community who contribute so loyally.

28 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

Billy Harker and his wife, Tracy.

AND THE WINNER IS...

THANKS TO SA MASTERS HOCKEY The SA Masters hockey tournament took place in Port Elizabeth in August – 15 teams from all over the country and Zimbabwe took part.

The hosting committee (pictured) selected NSRI Station 6 (PE) as its fundraising beneficiary. We would like to extend a huge big thank you to all the teams that took part in raising R8 674 for our base revamp.

Congratulations to Anton de Waal of Richards Bay who designed ‘Aqua Marine’, our winning entry.

Thank you to everyone else who entered the competition. We were thrilled with the response.

From left to right: Brenda Browne (Treasurer), Linda Thompson (Chairperson), Justin Erasmus (NSRI), Jill Dunlop (Medical Emergency Portfolio), Sharon Harrington (Team Transport Portfolio and General Member); (front) Mike Bekker (General Member), Ryan Henry (Team Transport Portfolio).

A very special thank you to John Cowlen, the commodore of the False Bay Yacht Club, and its members who raised a handsome R61 038,60 towards Station 10’s (Simon’s Town) fuel bill. Thank you for this very generous support.

RETURN OF THE SPIRIT

Spirit of Safmarine III, our 10m rescue boat at Station 10 (Simon’s Town), is back in service after a major refit, which involved stripping her down ‘like a Meccano set’ and building her back up.

The work was carried out by the meticulous team at Tree Tops Marine. Thank you to Kommetjie Engineering, who assisted us in modifying her cradle, and Chrome Hunter of Southey Marine Contractors, who arranged

iri’s entry

Sbusiso Ph

Above left: Dirk Hoffmann, Safmarine SA’s MD, and his family recently spent the morning at sea with our crew; (right) The rescue boat, which served in the RNLI, the day she left for South Africa.

to have our boathouse floor painted.

Safmarine is not only the sponsor of the boat but was also responsible for shipping her across from the icy UK when we received her from the RNLI originally.

RIP Basil Poole (21/03/1933 - 24/06/2014) Basil Poole was the founding station commander of Station 16 (Strandfontein).

Gary Wepen

aar’s entry SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 29

AGM awards

ceremony

and

At this year’s Annual General Meeting we bade farewell to our past chairman Peter Bacon, who has stood down after serving three terms of three years.

The NSRI welcomes new chairman Ronnie Stein (left) We welcome our new chairman and member of our governance board, Ronnie Stein.‘I’m so proud to be The emotional part of the associated with such a magnificent organisation, which is one of the most evening is always when admired and trusted rescue organisations in South Africa. What makes we celebrate bravery the NSRI so special is all the volunteers who give so much of their time to and selflessness. help others, very often at great risk to themselves. I’m honoured and proud SILVER GALLANTRY AWARD to be chairman of such a fine organisation,’ he says. ›› Robin Fortuin – Station 16 To view our Integrated Report, go to http://goo.gl/qp37Za

Aden Kleve with his family

30 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

(Strandfontein) Chairman’s Letters of Appreciation ›› SAS Isandlwana captain and crew for the rescue of six people from the yacht Bille ›› The captain of Aqua Fortune for the rescue of Miscky yachtsman ›› JS Yangtse for the rescue of crew on the yacht Idefix 2 CEO Letters of Appreciaton ›› Aden Kleve (see page 8 for rescue)

JS Yangtse’s Nigel Dooling with Peter Bacon

We extend our deepest thanks and hearty congratulations to our longserving voluntary crew who celebrate milestones:

Plettenberg Bay won the RIB Station of the Year Award. Here are crew members Brian Brink, Deon Truter and Marty Reddering with their collection of awards.

‘Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do, long after the mood you said it in has left you.’

- Anon

Kathy Manten – 25 Years’ Service

Hendrik Henn – 35 Years’ Service

20 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› Wendy Serfontein, Station 5 (Durban) ›› Brian Brink, Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) 25 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› Clive Shamley, at Station 21 (St Francis) and then as operational board member ›› Ian Gross, Station 3 (Table Bay) ›› Chris van Staden, Station 12 (Knysna) ›› Deon Truter, Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) ›› Kathy Manten, Station 22 (Vaal Dam) 30 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› Bruce Davidson, Station 2 (Bakoven) ›› Geoff McGregor, Station 7 (East London) ›› Bruce Bodmer, Station 8 (Hout Bay) ›› George Parkes, Station 12 (Knysna) ›› Dorian Robertson, Station 19 (Richards Bay) ›› Dick Manten, Station 22 (Vaal Dam) 35 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› Dave Roberts, Station 10 (Simon’s Town) ›› Hendrik Henn, Station 17 (Hermanus) 40 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› Marty Reddering, Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) 45 YEARS’ SERVICE ›› John ‘Chops’ Craig, Station 10 (Simon’s Town)

John ‘Chops’ Craig – 45 Years’ Service

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 31

LIFE BOAT CIRCLE

Thank you for your

support!

W

ITH GREAT APPRECIATION, we acknowledge those forwardthinking supporters and Life boat Circle members who took the decision many years ago to leave a gift in their will. This past financial year has seen the beginning of this generous harvest. NSRI has received almost R6 million in legacies – the greater portion of the cost of one of our largest deep-sea vessels. The surviving families and friends of these benefactors should take pride in the enormity of this generosity.

Eleven years ago Margaret McCulloch joined our Life boat Circle team and has been an absolute blessing in our lives. She is one of those warm people who enjoys nothing more than a cup of tea and a good old natter. Margaret ably headed up our Life boat Circle and personally mentored

each of our bequest officers. She has become a very dear friend to so many of our retired crew and retired supporters, not only meeting them at social engagements but also visiting them in their homes, dropping off home-made lemon curd when they were not well or accompanying them to the theatre when there was something worth watching.

Margaret is now ready to retire herself.

We can hardly believe it when we watch her gallivanting around at top speed and sharp as a whistle. She will still be around and present at all our functions but she is looking

Top: Jeffreys Bay Life boat Circle. Above: Betty Thorpe, Margaret McCulloch, Bruce Sanderson and Diane Barnes bid farewell to Trix Denner (far right), who is moving to Shelly Beach and will be joining Life boat Circle in KwaZulu Natal.

Left: New bequestor Margaret Evans proudly accepting her badge from Margaret.

forward to doting on her brood of grandchildren, and fussing over her garden and the very many creatures that visit it.

Thank you, Margaret, and your ever supportive Yvon, for pouring your heart and soul into your work and for nurturing friendships that are the lifeblood of our beloved institute. SR

THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS RECEIVED SPECIAL OCCASIONS: • Eddie Radford (70th birthday) • Captain Rod Gardner (70th birthday) • Dave Smit (60th birthday) • Dave and Brenda Smit (30th wedding anniversary) IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES: • Keith Mattison • FJ Egan • Mervyn Aereboe • Paul Barberton • Vincent Michael Bracale • Peter George Hill (UK) • Henri Heddes • Wallace Bradley • Captain Dave Rennie • Barry Borland • Fred Gottgens • Christine van der Nest ASHES LOG: (All respects were paid and the details of the scattering recorded in the ship’s log) • Alexander Murray Campbell, off Gordon’s Bay Find us on Facebook

32 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

REAL-LIFE RESCUE

Missing AT Albert Falls Even an experienced fisherman is not immune to the weather turning foul, as well-known bass fisherman Ken Ainslie found out one day at Albert Falls Dam. By Cherelle Leong

L

ATE ONE SATURDAY AFTERNOON, Station 5 (Durban) coxswain Wendy Serfontein was relaxing at her Gillitts home when her phone rang. It was the management company of Albert Falls Dam, where she used to work. ‘There’s been a severe storm and Ken Ainslie is missing – can you help?’ they asked.

Wendy was immediately on the alert. Ken Ainslie is one of the most experienced bass fishermen in KwaZulu-Natal and a seasoned boatsman. If he was missing, something must have gone wrong.

The storm cloud masked the sunset as Ken Ainslie clutched his upturned boat with a single finger through the winching eye. It was the only boat hold he had. Getting onto the hull seemed pointless – the 2m waves that had swamped and capsized the boat would wash him off immediately. His only

salvation was to hold on and drift closer to shore, or hope that someone would find him. The water was 17°C and it was getting dark. How long could he hold on for; how long before they searched for him? And with night falling and this stormy chop, would they even be able to see him?

With no time to waste, Wendy called station commander Clifford Ireland and scrambled the local NSRI crew. They decided to use whatever resources they had (including taking Wendy’s fiancé Paul Dawson’s boat to the scene), as going to the Sea Rescue base to fetch boats and then drive more than an hour to Albert Falls Dam was going to take too long.

Meanwhile, back at the dam, Ken’s fishing friends from Major Bass gathered torches and launched a search as the storm subsided. Alex Moskovitch remained on shore and helped coordinate search efforts, all the while keeping Wendy updated, as the crew headed to the dam.

Out on the water, Ken saw a boat approaching with a flashlight, but they were too far away to hear his cries. He raised his free arm and waved, but hope turned to despair as he saw the boat that belonged to the club members’ search party turn and head off in another direction. At least he knew they were out searching for him. At this time, Ken noticed he was drifting closer to shore. With the cold water sapping his strength, he decided

Left: Bass fisherman Ken Ainslie with an impressive catch.

Top: Ken’s overturned boat.

Above: Friends help to bring the boat ashore.

to swim the 200m to shore. As he let go of the boat, he knew that if he didn’t make it he’d be in trouble. He swam until his feet touched solid ground but his elation was short-lived: after nearly three hours in freezing water, his legs could not hold him up. Half swimming, half crawling, he scrambled up the muddy bank, hoping to make his way to a nearby farmhouse.

While crawling on all fours, he saw a flashlight arc across the water. Ken waved and screamed like a man possessed. As the light swung in his direction and fixed on him, he heard shouts of relief. It was Ian Stenson and Kobus Cronje from Major Bass Club. Ken was carried to the boat and wrapped in a blanket.

The boat made good time back to the campsite where they had been staying for the weekend, and from there he was taken to Grey’s Hospital by Alex and Jason Moskovitch. Station 5 crew stood down after confirmation that Ken had been found and was being taken to hospital.

Ken’s rescue had come just in time.

Doctors confirmed that he’d been severely hypothermic. Even though he was fit for a 74-year-old, had he been out there much longer he might not have lived to fish another day. SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 33

THE BIG BLUE

&

Curiouser curiouser...

Naturalist Georgina Jones sheds some light on an enigmatic, secretive and absorbing creature PHOTOGRAPHS

BY GEOFF SPIBY

36 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

T

O DIVE THE FASCINATING WATERS OFF Port Elizabeth, the kelp-fronded seas of Cape Town or the deep reefs off KwaZulu-Natal is to chance an encounter with animals named for monsters whose mere gaze was said to turn humans to stone. These are the gorgon’s heads – also known, much less worryingly, as basket stars.

They are called gorgon’s heads because of their scaled and snaky arms, but this is an unreasonably sensationalist view of creatures mostly noted by divers for their absorbing beauty. There are about a dozen species of basket stars known from around our coasts, and only about half of them live in water

shallow enough for divers to encounter them.

Basket stars are part of the brittle star family, themselves the most energetic member of the echinoderms, the spiny-skinned animals. This large and rather puzzling group is more closely related to vertebrates than any other animal group – in fact, their larval form shares several critical characteristics with vertebrate embryos – but their adult form is vastly different. They have five-fold symmetry and no discernible head or brain, unlike all other animals, with the exception of sponges and corals and their kin. They have no excretory system and no blood, and use a unique system of

hydraulically operated tube feet for getting around. Their members include starfish, feather stars, urchins and sea cucumbers – and, of course, the brittle stars.

They’re also known as serpent stars and, instead of tube feet, they use their snaky arms for getting around. They have discshaped bodies from which their slender arms extend. Basket stars are the more elaborate members of the group, having arms that branch repeatedly into fern-like structures, which they extend into the water to sieve out floating food or to catch the small shrimp on which they feed. The arms end in rudimentary pincers, which can act to grasp small particles in the water.

Once prey is caught, the arms tend to roll themselves around it and then curl in towards the mouth to deliver their cargo.

They have mouths set underneath their bodies that are used both to take in food and excrete waste – so they have no anus. The mouth has a five-rayed jaw with spiny teeth at its edges. These probably act to crush the small animals on which they feed.

At the base of each of their five branched arms is a pair of genital slits from which eggs, sperm and, in some species, young emerge.

However, little is known of the natural history of these animals. The most commonly seen basket star of the coast of South Africa, Astrocladus euryale, is known to have really small eggs (less than 0.1mm in diameter), which suggests a pelagic larval stage.

But it’s not known whether the eggs are fertilised internally or whether there is a broadcast spawning event during which sperm and eggs are released for midwater fertilisation. We don’t know whether these animals are hermaphrodites or single-sexed.

Nor, indeed, has the possible larval stage ever been recorded.

In tropical waters basket stars tend to be secretive, hiding deep in reef crevices during the day and emerging only at night. In the food-rich temperate waters of our south and west coasts,

In tropical waters basket stars tend to be secretive, hiding deep in reef crevices during the day and emerging only at night.

though, they can be seen out during the day – usually in water more than 20m deep around Cape Town, but as shallow as 5m off Port Elizabeth and East London.

Rather like their mythical namesakes, gorgon’s heads do an excellent job of turning underwater photographers to stone as they try to capture the extravagant beauty of these enigmatic animals through their lenses. SR

Opposite: How to make underwater magic: a diver, a torch and a feeding basket star in a cave.

Clockwise from top left: A basket star clings to a sea fan; a small basket star in motion, arms mostly curled up; basket star’s bodies may be up to 15cm across; deceptively beautiful, the fern-like arms of basket stars constantly sieve the water in search of prey.

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 37

STATION DIRECTORY STN 2

BAKOVEN

STN 8

StatCom:

Craft: NEEDS:

Bruce Davidson 082 990 5962 Rotarian Schipper – 6.5m RIB Data projector & screen

STN 3

TABLE BAY

StatCom: Lyall Pringle

082 990 5964 Craft: Nadine Gordimer –

10m rescue craft, Albie Matthews – 7.3m RIB,

Boetie Woltemade –

Rescue Runner NEEDS: Waterproof pouches for

handheld radios

☎

StatCom: Pat van Eyssen

082 990 5963 Fuel sponsor: Total Craft: Spirit of Vodacom –

13m rescue craft, Rotary Endeavour – 5.5m RIB NEEDS: Wet/dry vacuum, GoPro

camera, laptop, binoculars

☎

STN 4 MYKONOS StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

Casper Frylink

082 990 5966 Spirit of Freemasonry – 9m rescue craft, Gemini Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB, TNPA Rescuer One – Rescue runner Automated garage door motor & control for 9m door

STN 5

DURBAN

☎

StatCom: Clifford Ireland

082 990 5948 Craft: Eikos Rescuer II –

10m rescue craft, Megan II – 7.3m RIB, Spirit of Svitzer

– 4m rescue craft NEEDS: Crew lockers, steel frame

benches with top shelves

☎

STN 6

PORT ELIZABETH

StatCom: Ian Gray

082 990 0828 Craft: Spirit of Toft – 10m rescue craft, Eikos Rescuer IV

– 7.3m RIB, Boardwalk Rescuer – 4.2m rescue craft NEEDS: Drafting table & sliding rule,

30 crew lockers

☎

STN 7

EAST LONDON

StatCom: Geoff McGregor

082 990 5972 Craft: Spirit of Lotto – 13m rescue craft, Spirit of Rotary

East London II – 5.5m RIB,

Lotto Rescue Runner NEEDS: Handheld GPS

☎

38 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

HOUT BAY

☎

STN 9

GORDON’S BAY

StatCom: Anton Prinsloo

021 449 3500 (Duty crew) Craft: Jack Riley – 14m rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski

– 5.5m RIB, Inge – Swedish

Rescue Runner NEEDS: Waterproof digital camera,

building materials for

refurbishment of ops room

☎

STN 10 SIMON’S TOWN StatCom: Darren Zimmermann

082 990 5965 Fuel sponsor: False Bay Yacht Club Craft: Spirit of Safmarine III –

10m rescue craft, Spirit

of Surfski – 6.2m RIB NEEDS: Dehumidifier, GoPro camera

☎

STN 11 PORT ALFRED StatCom: Juan Pretorius

082 990 5971 Craft: Lotto Challenger – 8.5m

rescue craft, 5.5m RIB

(still to be named) NEEDS: Eco-friendly boat shampoo, kettle

☎

STN 12 KNYSNA StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

Jerome Simonis

082 990 5956 Colorpress Rescuer – 8.5m RIB, Jaytee III – 5.5m RIB, Spirit of KYC – 4.2m rescue craft Wall-mounted dehumidifier, Optimate battery charger

☎

STN 14 PLETTENBERG BAY StatCom: Deon Truter

082 990 5975 Craft: Leonard Smith – 7.3m RIB,

Ray Farnham – 5.5m RIB,

Airlink Rescuer – 4.2m Zapcat, Discovery Rescue

Runner 2

☎

STN 15 MOSSEL BAY StatCom: André Fraser

082 990 5954 Fuel sponsor: Total Craft: Rescue 15 – 10m rescue craft,

Vodacom Rescuer II –

5.5m RIB, Vodacom Rescuer IV – 4.2m rescue craft NEEDS: GoPro camera, Trellidor,

data projector

☎

STN 16 STRANDFONTEIN StatCom: Mario Fredericks

082 990 6753 Craft: Spirit of GrandWest CSI –

5.5m RIB, I&J Rescuer III

– 4.7m RIB, Discovery Rescue

Runner 3 NEEDS: Urn, air compressor, microwave

☎

STN 17 HERMANUS StatCom: Henk Henn

082 990 5967 Craft: South Star – 10m rescue craft, Hunters Gold Rescuer –

5.5m RIB, Spirit of Le Jenmar II – 4.2m rescue craft NEEDS: High-pressure washer,

vacuum cleaner

☎

STN 18 MELKBOSSTRAND StatCom: Rhine Barnes

082 990 5958 Craft: Spirit of the Vines –

6.5m RIB, Men’s Health Rescuer – 4.2m Zapcat,

Discovery Rescue Runner 4 NEEDS: A data projector

SEA RESCUE CONTACTS

☎

To reach NSRI after hours, please call Meriel Bartlett on 082 994 7555 or Craig Lambinon on 082 380 3800. For general information, please call NSRI’s head office in Cape Town on (021) 434 4011.

THE NSRI IS MANNED BY MORE THAN 900 VOLUNTEERS AT 35 BASES AROUND THE COAST AND ON THREE INLAND DAMS. OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE DAY JOBS BUT WILL ALWAYS RESPOND TO YOUR EMERGENCY.

STN 19 RICHARDS BAY

STN 24 LAMBERT’S BAY

STN 31 STILL BAY

StatCom:

StatCom:

StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

Dorian Robertson

082 990 5949 Craft: Spirit of Richards Bay –

12m rescue craft, Spirit of

Round Table – 7.3m RIB,

Rotary Ann – 4m rescue craft NEEDS: A data projector

☎

STN 20 SHELLY BEACH Pieter Coetzee

082 990 5950 Fuel sponsor: Caltex Craft: Spirit of Dawn – 7.3m RIB,

Caltex Challenger II

– 5.5m RIB, Discovery

Rescue Runner 8 NEEDS: GoPro, fold-up steel tables StatCom:

☎

STN 21 ST FRANCIS BAY StatCom: Paul Hurley

082 990 5969 Fuel sponsor: CBF Motors, Humansdorp Craft: Spirit of St Francis II

– 8.5m RIB, Discovery

Rescue Runner 5 NEEDS: Waterproof cellphone

☎

STN 22 VAAL DAM StatCom: Dick Manten

083 626 5128 Fuel sponsor: Sasol Craft: Harvey’s Fibreglass – 5.5m RIB, Discovery Rescue

Runner 11 NEEDS: A data projector

☎

STN 23 WILDERNESS StatCom: Hennie Niehaus

082 990 5955 Craft: Spirit of Rotary 100 –

5.5m RIB, ClemenGold Rescuer – 4.2m rescue craft,

Die Swart Tobie – 4.2m

rescue craft, Oscar’s Rescue –

4.2m rescue craft, Discovery

Rescue Runner 1 NEEDS: Building-maintenance funds

☎

Craft: NEEDS:

Leon De-Gruchy (Acting) 060 960 3027 Douglas Murray – 5.5m RIB Volunteers

☎

STN 25 HARTBEESPOORT DAM StatCom: Rod Pitter

082 990 5961 Fuel sponsor: Sasol Craft: Afrox Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB NEEDS: A data projector

☎

STN 26 KOMMETJIE StatCom: Adrian Scholtz

082 990 5979 Craft: Spirit of Winelands – 5.5m RIB, Discovery Rescue

Runner 7 NEEDS: GoPro camera, handheld GPS

☎

STN 27 VICTORIA LAKE, GERMISTON StatCom: Graham Hartlett

082 441 6989 Fuel sponsor: Sasol Craft: Vodacom Rescuer V – 4.7m RIB NEEDS: A data projector

☎

STN 28A PORT ST JOHNS StatCom:

Craft:

John Costello 082 550 5430 Freemason’s Way – 5.5m RIB

☎

STN 29 AIRBORNE

SEA RESCUE StatCom:

NEEDS:

Andy Connell

082 990 5980 Dry suits, thermal wear

☎

STN 30 AGULHAS StatCom: Reinard Geldenhuys

082 990 5952 Craft: Vodacom Rescuer VII –

8.5m RIB, I&J Rescuer IV

– 4.7m RIB NEEDS: Compressor

☎

special Thanks to...

Enrico Menezies 082 990 5978 Spirit of St Francis – 7.3m RIB, Colorpress Too – 4.2m rescue craft Screwdrivers, binoculars

☎

STN 32 PORT EDWARD StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

John Nicholas

082 990 5951 Wild Coast Sun Rescuer – 7.3m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 6 White board, flipchart

☎

STN 33 WITSAND StatCom: Leon Pretorius

082 990 5957 Craft: Queenie Paine – 5.5m RIB,

Falcon Rescuer – 4.5m rescue craft, Discovery Rescue

Runner 9 NEEDS: GPS with track back, laptop

☎

STN 34 YZERFONTEIN StatCom: Rudi Rogers

082 990 5974 Craft: Rotary Onwards – 7.3m RIB,

Spirit of Iffley – 4.2m rescue craft NEEDS: A data projector

☎

STN 35 WITBANK StatCom:

Dean Wegele (Acting) 060 962 2620 NEEDS: Volunteers

☎

STN 36 OYSTER BAY StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

Mark Mans

082 990 5968 Pierre – 4.7m RIB, Oyster Bay I (jet-ski) 4x4 Tractor

☎

STN 37 JEFFREYS BAY StatCom:

Craft:

NEEDS:

Rieghard Janse van Rensburg 079 916 0390 Loved 1s 24: – 4.2m rescue craft, two jet-skis, Discovery Rescue Runner 12 Aircon units for ops room

☎

Schalk du Plessis of Dupdiesel, Parow, for donating tools to Station 29 (Airborne Sea Rescue).

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014 • 39

PROFILE

Lynne Gidish spoke to crewman Robbie Robinson about his love of the sea and the event that changed his life

‘WATER IS MY LIFE I

T’S HARDLY SURPRISING THAT Robbie Robinson is passionate about the sea: with a grandmother who was besotted with fishing and a father who trawled the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline, his love of the ocean is in his genes! Aside from his talents with rod and sinker, he also honed his watersport skills from an early age.

‘I was a real coastal kind of guy who enjoyed anything to do with the sea: scuba diving, rubber-duck racing, sailing and rowing. I was also quite the fitness fanatic, and loved running and cycling marathons.’ Growing up in KZN, he matriculated in the Eastern Cape before doing his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at the Mercedes-Benz factory in East London, where, over the following 24 years, he worked his way up to the position of maintenance planner. It was his friend, rowing partner and fellow appie Geoff McGregor – who later became Robbie’s station commander at Station 7 (East London) – who introduced Robbie to the NSRI in 1997. ‘Geoff was always telling us stories about what had happened on callouts, and since I wanted to do something for others and the sea was involved, I decided to volunteer.’ After doing his training, he qualified as a Class 3 coxswain. Being a real people’s person, he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and ‘working togetherness’ that he discovered went hand in hand with Sea Rescue.

40 • SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2014

In 2002 Robbie started battling with his health. ‘Initially it was pins and needles in my legs, then I gradually started losing strength, getting weaker and weaker over the next 10 months. The doctors I consulted in East London felt it was a lifestyle- or sport-related pinched nerve problem but couldn’t give me a proper diagnosis. By the time I consulted a specialist in PE I was literally dragging myself around. He explained that an extra vein in my spinal cord was putting pressure on the spinal nerves and preventing them from sending messages to my muscles,

‘The NSRI gave me a lot of support during my illness – they’d become my family too – so it was time for me to get involved again.’ and there was nothing he could do. I was 37 and destined for paralysis.’

Refusing to accept what he was told, he found another specialist in Pretoria who offered to clamp off the vein – with no guarantees. Believing he had nothing to lose, Robbie underwent surgery and eight days later went to his parents’ smallholding in Jeffreys Bay to recuperate, one small step at a time, with the help of

‘

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARNETTE MEYER

Robbie Robinson requalified as a coxswain after returning to Cape Town and joining Station 10 (Simon’s Town).

a biokineticist. Eighteen months later, the two of them climbed Kilimanjaro, along with two of Robbie’s friends!

Left with a slight limp when he walks and having accepted that he’ll never run again, Robbie has embraced this new phase of his life with both courage and gratitude. ‘When something like this happens to you, you take a good hard look at yourself and put everything into perspective... After going through something like this, there was no way I could go back to my old life so I resigned from my job and took a year off to sail around the Caribbean, scuba dive in the Red Sea and rethink my future.’

When he returned to South Africa he headed for Cape Town, where one of the first things he did after securing a job was to join Station 10 (Simon’s Town) and requalify as a coxswain once again. ‘The NSRI gave me a lot of support during my illness – they’d become my family too – so it was time for me to get involved again.

Water is my life, and I plan to continue with the NSRI for as long as I can. I realise how lucky I am and really feel the need to give back. When we have a tough callout and make it through, those looks on the family’s faces when we’ve saved someone’s life, that’s what it’s all about!’ SR

C

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GWN-1000B-1B

MY

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