NSRI Sea Rescue Winter 2017

SEA RESCUE R14.95 | WINTER 2017 | FREE TO NSRI MEMBERS

SEARCH AND RESCUE

FINDING CHULU PLETTENBERG BAY

A CASE STUDY IN DROWNING PREVENTION KIDS’ CLUB

LONG RUN

TWO LIFEGUARDS DO WHAT IT TAKES TO SAVE A LIFE

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OPLEIDING 2017/02/23 10:47 AM

CONTENTS WINTER 2017

8 16 24 2 6

38

LETTERS CAPTAIN JOHN PAYN: THE FINAL WORD Barry Payn shares his memories of his uncle Captain John Payn, one of Sea Rescue’s founding members.

8

DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO SAVE A LIFE Two young, newly qualified lifeguards pull out all the stops.

11

TIMING IS EVERYTHING A closer look at Station 14’s (Pletteneberg Bay) drowningprevention strategies.

24

16

FINDING CHULU After 3½-year-old Chulu Feni goes missing, an extensive manhunt commences.

NCS RESINS PITCHES IN The importance of industry partners in keeping NSRI’s fleet of rescue vessels in shape.

26

19

IN THE NEWS Fundraising drives, events and station news.

KIDS’ CLUB Plenty of fun and games for the young ones.

34

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Celebrating 50 years.

11

36 37

LIFE BOAT CLUB News for our retired members.

38

OUT OF TIME After becoming separated from his fishing party, a 47-year-old kayak fisher faces a life-anddeath situation.

40

STATION DIRECTORY

AN OPEN INVITATION Join us at our 50th anniversary Open Day events.

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

1

FROM THE HELM

THE CREW

I

THE PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP MANAGING EDITOR Wendy Maritz

t feels strange writing a winter editorial when we haven’t had a drop of rain in Cape Town. Elsewhere it’s flooding… Evidence of a fickle and changeable environment that constitutes a real challenge to rescuers across the country as unpredictability and inconsistent water or weather conditions become the new norm. As if rescue wasn’t difficult enough without Mother Nature putting her spoon in it!

My thoughts these last few months were drawn back to a book called Search is an Emergency which was the bible for our search-theory training in Wilderness Search and Rescue. It describes the behaviour characteristics of various categories of search subject (adults, children, hunters and so forth), which we would take into account when searching for a particular subject.

Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Stations had just such a search this last month when a small child went missing near the Krom River. The child, 3½-year-old Chulu, was found alive after an extensive search by a huge number and range of people and organisations. The social capital and eventual collective joy that surrounded this incident demonstrate our capacity to hang together when we need to, and the real sincere emotion evident tells me that we care and that our humanity is intact. I think this incident had wide impact and stirred many people inside and outside the NSRI. So it should. Well done to everyone!

As I roll through the 50th-anniversary station events, the passion and enthusiasm of rescuers are palpable and the energy on display is infectious, spreading to supporters, donors and communities alike. No pressure! Not surprising that public expectation is high and that a professional service is the demand. The NSRI fuels these expectations through the exemplary actions and commitment on display. When I see the men, women, equipment and boathouses, and experience the way they think, feel and behave, I’m extremely proud!

This view of the NSRI is underlined by my childhood memories of Bakoven in the ’60s when, as kids, we used to lend a hand to get the rescue boat and outboards from the green shed at the back of the beach to the water. The raw enthusiasm and commitment on display by the ‘originals’ in 1967 – people like Mitch Brown, Allan Cramb, Ivan Klerck, Don Nichols, Fred Lighton, Peter Adamo, Peter Pienaar, Peter Pullen, Derwent Kieser, Mike Hopkins, Mike Lundy, Bob Deacon, Ray Lant, Cooper Gordon, Neville Lipman and Harry Nagel – probably went unnoticed at the time but really inspired generations of NSRI crew members in no uncertain manner. Look around today!

We owe half a century of gratitude to the men and women who went before us and who ensured that children like Chulu have a chance in life. Saving lives, creating futures… It’s what we do in tribute to all those who went before.

Let the rain come. We’re ready!

ART DIRECTOR Ryan Manning ADVERTISING Nicholas Lumb EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Mark Beare, John Morkel EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Susan Newham-Blake ADDRESS PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018 TEL +27 21 424 3517 FAX +27 21 424 3612 EMAIL wmaritz@tppsa.co.za

SEA RESCUE OFFICE +27 21 434 4011 WEB www.searescue.org.za EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING Meriel Bartlett CELL 082 994 7555 EMAIL meriel@searescue.org.za PUBLIC RELATIONS Megan Hughes CELL 083 443 7319 EMAIL megan@searescue.org.za COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Craig Lambinon CELL 082 380 3800 EMAIL lambinon@mweb.co.za PRODUCED FOR THE NSRI BY The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018.

Copyright: The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2017. 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.

DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON, CEO PRINTING Paarl Media Cape

Contact us

ISSN 1812-0644

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 www.facebook.com/SeaRescue

2 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

@nsri

youtube.com/c/NSRISeaRescue

LETTERS WINNING LETTER

Thank you, Mark Jensen, for sharing your story of Chulu’s rescue. Your hamper of Slaley wine is on its way to you.

Strand lifeguards Conrad Kriel and Kael Mead (see page 8).

Photograph: Andrew Ingram

FINDING CHULU

T

he two stations (St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay) and all their volunteers were unbelievable in their efforts to find little Chulu Feni. He went missing at 5pm on Thursday 6 April and they worked through the night, co-ordinating hundreds of volunteers, quad bikes, police units, dog units, boats, Air Force helicopter and so forth.

We were very blessed that they found him at around 1pm the next day, dehydrated and hypothermic but alive.

It really was an eye-opening and

emotional experience to see how many caring people there are out there, willing to assist in such an instance. They really are among the silent heroes of South Africa! Apart from our many thanks, this donation is the least we could do, hopefully to put towards equipment for each of these stations that allow them to continue their excellent work.

MARK JENSEN

NSRI DIRECTORS CEO: Dr Cleeve Robertson EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Meriel Bartlett (Fundraising and Marketing), Mark Hughes (Operations), Mark Koning (Finance).

GOVERNANCE BOARD: Ronnie Stein (Chairman) MEMBERS: Deon Cloete, Viola Manuel, Chris Nissen, Dave Robins, Karl Otto, Rob Stirrat, Randall Titus.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Rhine Barnes, Justin Erasmus, Brad Geyser, Dick Manten, Hennie Niehaus, Deon Langenhoven, Eddie Noyons (Chairman).

HONORARY LIFE GOVERNORS: David Abromowitz, Peter Bacon, Keith Burchell, Allan Cramb, Mike Elliot, Howard Godfrey, Ian Hamilton, Chris Hudson, Brian Hustler, Mike Patterson, Ian Strachan, Hennie Taljaard, Ian Wienberg

SCUE SEA RE FREE TO

R14.95

ERS

NSRI MEMB

R 2016

| SUMME

For NSRI membership

or Sea Rescue subscription details:

E

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Email info@searescue.org.za or phone (021) 434 4011

EMERGE

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

3

LETTERS ‘A BEAUTIFUL RELIEF’ On 10 March 2017, I was towed by one of your rescue boats in Cape Town, under Ian Gross.

Sailing solo from NE Brazil, it had taken me 77 days to arrive, of which 36 days were without autopilot, forcing me to steer 12 hours a day.

At night I would simply heave to and sleep!

By 10 March, I was 92nm west-northwest from Cape Town.

Having hoved to the night before, I had drifted 31nm north-northwest, thus in effect reducing my chances of reaching Cape Town. The next 48 hours’ weather was to be ‘dead calm’.

Further down the track, weather was to change to 6-7Bft. I was too tired to make it to Cape Town. I decided to call Sea Rescue for assistance.

To sea rescue operations all over the world, Ian and his crew were exemplary. Even though I was not in an emergency situation, Ian thought that it was wiser to prevent rather than wait for a situation that would have worsened.

Furthermore I had a severe pain in

my right shoulder, handicapping me in my manoeuvres.

At 7pm, Ian took my boat in charge for a ‘delicious’ 11 hours’ tow to Cape Town. The sunrise on the port and the Table was a beautiful relief.

Ian towed me into the Royal Yacht Club marina. As we bade farewell, I asked Ian how I could thank Sea Rescue in way of donation. He told me to contact you.

I am now back home in Fremantle, Western Australia, until October when I shall return to Cape Town to proceed with my journey.

Again, everlasting thanks to NSRI, Ian and his crew.

JEAN-MARIE DE DIANOUS PS. As for my right shoulder, after examination, it turns out one of its rotary cuff tendons had ripped away from the humerus and another one partially torn as well, plus other ‘little damages’. I will be due for surgery in the coming days, followed by seven to nine weeks of shoulder immobilisation and then rehabilitation. Which makes Ian’s intervention so much more justified.

HAPPY WINNER Thank you so much for the generous prize that S’nen won for coming second in your colouring-in competition.

S’nen Skho Here is a won second sana, 10, priz picture showing colouring co e in our mpetition how delighted he was to receive it.

He was so excited to have a lovely parcel waiting for him when he came home from school, and to watch him open it, and to find all the goodies inside was such a treat.

He plans to take it to school to show the vice headmaster, who we know will be very pleased.

Thank you, NSRI, for your generosity. It really means so much.

JENNY TULLIS

4 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

ALL HEROES I said yes to supporting the NSRI way back in 2003. I am still doing that and am proud to say that I now sport a Diamond Certificate for Shore Crew. (Framed and hanging in my study.) Thank you for the wonderful work, for putting your own lives at risk to save others, and for doing this any time of the day or night. Not enough people know just how much it takes to do what you do. Thank you, you are all my heroes!

ANNETTE STANLEY

THANK YOU TO PE CREW We would like to express our deep gratitude to the team or teams that responded to our medevac from MV Thuringia at Port Elizabeth on 29 March 2017 and applaud the prompt, efficient and fortunately successful casualty evacuation that took place under your direction in somewhat challenging conditions.

We are pleased to confirm that the casualty’s condition is now stable and no longer life-threatening. He will require a few weeks to a make full recovery due to the nature of his injuries.

Without the National Sea Rescue Institute’s assistance and professionalism, the outcome may have been very different. Thank you.

CHARLES CHOWLES, STURROCK GRINDROD MARITIME, PORT ELIZABETH DEEPEST GRATITUDE Four months on and it seems like yesterday.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who assisted in the rescue of my family at Mykonos. I

Write to us and WIN! was standing on the side and thought it was the last time I was going to see them alive.

Heroes is the best way to describe each and every one who helped.

Our daughter Paige, who was hurt, is her old self again and enjoying her life, albeit cautiously. She is so proud of her scars and knows that God sent everybody who helped her.

God’s richest blessings to you all.

MARLENE WESTON

allowing her to speak to us… Such a warm, friendly personality. We thoroughly enjoyed her presentation.

I think that she gained many new friends today who know so much more about Sea Rescue and will be willing to help them.

Many many thanks for all your hard and dedicated work, and to Janet for a slick, engrossing presentation.

VALERIE SEAL

THANKS FROM OLIVEDALE LIBRARY Janet Burgess gave us such an informative and thought-provoking talk about National Sea Rescue at our monthly library meeting, which we hold to raise funds for the library.

It was a real bonus to have such a professional speaker who kept the audience engrossed. Many thanks for

OUR FIREFIGHTING HEROES ON THE GARDEN ROUTE You really are our earth angels. Your loyalty, love and care for your community show this is not just a job; this is a passion to fight to keep people’s homes from burning down, keeping families alive, rescuing animals, and having your fellow firefighters’ backs.

MICHELLE THORLEY

The writer of the winning letter published in the Summer 2017 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. (Letters may be shortened, and the winning letter is chosen at the editor’s discretion.)

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CREW STORIES

JOHN PAYN: THE FINAL WORD

Former Station 20 (Shelly Beach) crewman John Rolt chatted to Barry Payn about his memories of Captain John Payn, one of Sea Rescue’s founders.

Norma and Barry Payn with Minnie at their home in Port Edward.

OPEN DAYS:

YOUR OPEN INVITATION Barry Payn attended Station 32’s (Port Edward) Open Day and shared stories of his uncle, Captain John Payn.

Please join us at our Open Days around the country as we celebrate 50 years of Sea Rescue and acknowledge all those who contributed to establishing our service.

6 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

L

ittle did Captain John Payn realise, when he decided in 1967 as the President of the Society of Master Mariners of South Africa to participate actively in the establishment of a sea rescue service, that his decision would directly affect the lives of thousands of people over the following 50 years.

Everyone associated with the NSRI today knows the huge roles played by Captain John Payn, Ms Pattie Price and the first two volunteer crewmen, Captain Bob Deacon and Ray Lant.

But who was Captain John Payn?

His nephew, Barry Payn, who lives with his wife, Norma, at Port Edward

on the southern tip of KZN, knew him better than most.

‘The sea was in his blood. He joined the Merchant Marine probably at the age of about 16. In his career, among other things, he was a pilot in Durban Harbour, the Port Captain in Cape Town during the Suez Canal crisis and then the Port Captain in Walvis Bay,’ says Barry.

There are hundreds of stories about him. He was ‘no angel’ and is described as a disciplinarian, a man who did not suffer fools gladly and expected orders to be carried out. At the same time he was compassionate and caring.

However, he always had to have the final word.

When Captain Payn got older, Barry persuaded him and his wife to move to Port Edward to be nearer to Barry so he could take care of them. Captain Payn died in 1992.

‘Even after he died he had to have the final word,’ Barry smiles.

After his death the family decided it would be a fitting tribute to distribute his ashes at sea.

NSRI Station 20 at Shelly Beach did the honours. Coxswain Eddie Noyons, current chairman of the NSRI Operations Support Committee, and crewman Fred Jollands towed their early-generation 5m rescue boat to Port Edward.

‘When we launched, the wind was hammering out of the northeast; the sea was wild. It was so rough I thought I was going to join Uncle John,’ Barry said.

Eddie, who also describes the conditions as tough, eventually got the boat through the heavy surf to the backline, where things calmed down a little.

‘Then Uncle John had the final word.

As I tipped the ashes into the sea on the leeward side, the wind suddenly turned and blew the ashes back over the boat and at all of us,’ Barry says.

The final word, perhaps, but the legacy remains.

PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN ROLT

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‘The sea was in his blood.

He joined the Merchant Marine probably at the age of about 16.’

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REAL-LIFE RESCUE

T

he early-morning meeting had been a long one. But ways to prevent the drownings on the Strand beach had to be found. The leadership of Gordon’s Bay Sea Rescue and Strand Surf Lifesaving Club had been discussing how to speed up responses to issues on the beach … and to reduce risk to bathers.

Gordon’s Bay station commander Alan Meiklejohn had waited a long time for this cup of coffee. After the meeting, we had ordered cappuccinos and made ourselves comfortable at the Soul Cafe, across the road from the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club, when duty coxswain Ivan Bauser’s phone rang.

By the concentration on his face I knew that he had a rescue call. It was just after 11am on Saturday 26 March.

‘Which tidal pool?’ asked Ivan.

After listening for a few more seconds he stood up and – with the phone still at his ear – looked at Alan. ‘Drowning in progress off the pavilion,’ he said as he turned and ran for his bakkie.

Alan looked at me, shook his head and looked down at his coffee. He lifted the cup, took a sip and carefully put it back on the saucer. With the cappuccino froth still on his upper lip,

he grabbed his phone and ran. In front of me were three coffees. One had a lip-sized dent in the foam. As I was considering what to do with them, the roar of Alan’s bike made me look up as he flipped up the gears and disappeared down the road.

Across the road from where I sat, I saw a lifeguard standing on the roof looking down towards the Strand pavilion. And then an unmarked car with four lifeguards, one waving a yellow shirt out of the window, pulled out of the parking area and headed towards Gordon’s Bay. Later I found out that someone had driven up to the lifeguards’ club and called out to them that a woman had swum out and was screaming for help about 500m off the beach.

The Strand Surf Lifesaving Club was buzzing. Preparations were well underway for the upcoming SA Lifesaving Champs in Camps Bay. Youngsters and old salts were all fussing over equipment, packing their trailer, chatting and laughing.

So when the call came the response was rapid. One lifeguard was sent up on the platform and then onto the roof to try and spot the casualty, while three

Conrad Kriel and Kael Mead have each been awarded an NSRI Chief Executive Officer’s Letter of Appreciation for the part they played in the rescue off Strand beach that day.

DOING

TO SAVE

A LIFE

Kael Mead and Conrad Kriel – newly qualified lifeguards in their first rescue season at Strand Surf Lifesaving Club – pull out all the stops. By Andrew Ingram

8 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

PhotographS: ANDREW INGRAM

WHAT IT TAKES

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

‘She was floating on her back when I got to her.

She saw me … said, thank God, and then she started rambling.

She was hypothermic.

All the fight was out of her…’

STRAND SURF grabbed torpedo buoys LIFESAVING CLUB and their medical bag, and started to run.

Kael Mead and Conrad Kriel, both newly qualified 15-year-old lifeguards in their first season, watched the commotion. Conrad, thinking ahead, asked whether they needed a knee board if she was really deep… ‘Everyone said yes, yes, so I called Kael,’ Conrad recalls. ‘We grabbed a knee board and started after the others down the beach, me carrying the front and Kael carrying the back of the board.’

CASUALTY ‘We didn’t know where the rescue was, so we were just following our reached the woman, helped her onto guys and they just the board and then ‘kind of floated next kept going around to her’. the next corner,’ ‘The water was really cold. AbKael chips in. normally cold,’ he explains. ‘She was ‘I was finished,’ floating on her back when I got to her. says Conrad. ‘I’m not really She saw me … said, thank God, and a runner, so Kael had to then she started rambling. She was encourage me all the hypothermic. All the fight was out of way there. We got to the her,’ Conrad recalls. pavilion and the jetty, and With youth on their side, and saw that the others were because they are both extremely fit, around it already. I said, Conrad and Kael were able to make the I am not running any 1,8km run across the bay carrying a more. So I got on the knee board. And then Conrad paddled board and started padanother 900m to reach the woman. dling.’ Kael, on the other It was an epic display that not many hand, ran around the building and could hope to do in the time that the joined the others on the beach. two teenagers did it in.

Meanwhile the Sea Rescue duty ‘I was just glad that she was still crew had gone to the Gordon’s Bay staalive when I reached her,’ said Conrad. tion and was preparing to launch the ‘And I was glad that the other guys rescue craft. A rescue swimmer had arrived to take over. I would have had also responded directly to the beach. to rest a little bit before I started back The first two rescuers in the water, to the beach. And she was getting swimming out to the woman, were a colder by the second.’ lifeguard from the Strand indoor pool ‘We are really proud of the boys,’ and a Sea Rescue swimmer. ‘But I was said Strand Surf Lifesaving Club on a knee board, so I went past them,’ chairman Josh Kreft. ‘They have shown grins Conrad. what lifeguards can do. And how real Paddling his heart out, Conrad fitness can save a life.’

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

9

INITIATIVES

TIMING IS EVERYTHING For drowning prevention to be effective, education and fast response times are key. Andrew Ingram examines these aspects of Station 14’s (Plettenberg Bay) current and future operations.

D

rowning prevention is a complete package. To prevent a person from drowning, education is king. If people understood that to be safe at the beach they should choose to swim on a lifeguarded beach, when lifeguards are on duty and between their flags, most drowning incidents would never happen.

Education is closely followed by prevention … in the form of effective signage, emergency telephone numbers and proactive lifeguarding. Last comes rescue. Rescuing a person who is drowning takes speed and teamwork.

Behind the rescue swimmer or rescue boat there is always a team of people.

Relevant organisations need to be on the same page, putting out the same simple and effective lesson. And rescue responses need to be very fast and well coordinated.

In August 2016, a group of Sea Rescue volunteers were on a swiftwater training course at the Breede River. Training officer Graeme Harding, wanting to get onto the river for the practical section, got everyone’s attention and yelled, ‘Right, you have four minutes to get into your kit!’

As most of the group on course was digesting this rather tight time limit to put their kit on, Marc Rodgers, Plettenberg Bay station commander, shot back, ‘What are we going to do with the other three

minutes?’ and started laughing when he saw the looks on the others’ faces.

The thing is, he was only partly joking.

When you are responding to people in the water, every second counts. If it is someone in a rip current this is especially true. In recent years Sea Rescue stations around the coast have responded more regularly than in the past to a drowning in progress. Mostly these emergencies happen when lifeguards are off duty, or on beaches that are not lifeguarded. For the on-duty Sea Rescue crew this type of call-out is a huge adrenaline pump. Drowning in process.

No other call is more urgent.

Two of the Sea Rescue stations that have changed the way they operate to

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

11

speed up their ability to rescue a person in such a situation are Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay. The beautiful Garden Route attracts both local and international holidaymakers, many of whom have no idea that the biggest danger they may face on their vacation is a rip current, let alone what a rip is or how it works.

Because of this, the Wilderness and Plett Sea Rescue stations have teamed up with other agencies to improve their response. Medics, law enforcement, municipalities and, of course, lifeguards are critical to drowning prevention on these beaches. And a close relationship between lifeguards and Sea Rescue means that the patient has a better chance of survival. It’s all about teamwork.

Over the years the Plett crew have refined the way they respond to a person in difficulty. Their ‘siren call’ is unique and unrivalled for a fast response. For a ‘code red’ call, an SMS is sent to the duty crew – but in Plett an air-raid siren is also activated. This spine-chilling sound is heard throughout the central Plett area and brings locals to a standstill. Everyone knows what it means. At the first sounds of the siren the crew drop whatever they are doing and move.

Fast. Locals who are on the road watch their rear-view mirrors and pull over for the responding crew.

‘Our record from call to launching is two minutes 30 seconds,’ says Marc.

Just think about that… You hear the siren; drop what you are doing; run for your car; drive to the rescue base; get into your wetsuit, booties, lifejacket and helmet; run the rescue craft across the beach and launch… Two minutes 30 seconds.

12 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

‘Our average time is four minutes,’ Marc admits. That is a very, very fast average.

It was just after 16h00 on a Friday afternoon in August 2016 when videographer Chris McCarthy, who was filming on Plettenberg Bay beach, noticed people in a rip current.

‘I was on deck at The Lookout restaurant and noticed that three people were standing in a rip,’ said Chris. By the time he got down to the beach they had been pulled out by the current and were clearly in danger.

‘Staff on duty at The Lookout had called Sea Rescue, and two surfers had seen the trio, grabbed their boards and paddled out to them,’ remembers Chris.

‘The key to our quick response is the coordination of tasks.

First crew member at the base starts the boat and gets it onto the apron, the second bunch at the base each puts a wetsuit on. As soon as there are enough crew for the vessel, the others start with tasks like ensuring the drowning location that is given is correct.’

‘Less than three minutes later, two Sea Rescue boats were on the scene.

It must have taken the crew about five minutes to get there from the time of the emergency call. It was awesome.’

To be able to react so fast takes hours of practice. A seemingly simple thing like how to put your wetsuit on quickly is something that is practised. Often. But it goes much deeper than that.

‘The key to our quick response is the co-ordination of tasks. First crew member at the base starts the boat and gets it onto the apron, the second bunch at the base each puts a wetsuit on. As soon as there are enough crew for the vessel, the others start with tasks like ensuring the drowning location that is given is correct,’ says Marc.

‘All of our boats are rigged like ambulances so there is very rarely anything that needs to be loaded. Our change rooms and the way our kit is hung are like a production line; once your kit is on and you are on your way out the door, the radios and helmets are right there to grab.’

‘Often the boat will already be on its way down the beach, being pushed by the last crew to arrive before the rescue crew have exited the station. I can’t tell you how many times I have arrived in my car, put my suit on as coxswain and had to chase the boat down the beach flat out only to catch it and jump on it as it hits the water. The efficiency of our crew in this regard gives me goose bumps.’

‘It’s really all about education and

PhotographS: ANDREW INGRAM, chris mccarthy

INITIATIVES

PhotographS: ANDREW INGRAM, chris mccarthy

Far left and below: British tourists being rescued from a rip current in August 2016.

Left: Children in the area are invited to the base and taught about Sea Rescue, rip currents and how to help a friend without putting themselves in danger. Right: Pink torpedo buoys along with numbered emergency signage assist with rescues and locating casualties.

Overleaf: Places where people may get into difficulty have been mapped in detail.

prevention,’ says Marc. ‘If we have to launch for someone in a rip then we have already failed on those two fronts.’

The Plett crew look at the whole picture to educate beachgoers about the dangers that they may face in the sea – especially rip currents. School groups are invited to the station and given an introduction to Sea Rescue, and then taught what rips look like, how to recognise them and what to do if caught in one. How to call for help and, of course, how to do CPR. It was only last year that training officer Bruce Noble was filled with pride when he read the following post on the Plett NSRI Facebook page: ‘My daughter and I got caught in a rip current today and she knew what to do. Thank you.’

Hannah, 9, had been in one of Bruce’s rip-current classes. And when she and her mother got into trouble while swimming, the little girl knew not to panic.

Because of Bruce’s lesson she could tell her mother what was happening and what to do. Being strong swimmers and understanding how to escape the rip, they got a big fright but were safe.

Drowning prevention has so many different facets that all need focus if it is to be successful. Constant education is obviously king. But getting the message out is easier said than done. Apart from the lessons for children, tourist venues are targeted, social media utilised and new strategies put in place.

A real problem facing rescuers when responding to people caught in a rip current is well-meaning folk going into the water to help. ‘This sometimes leads to two people drowning,’ says Marc.

And so one of the strategies to combat this over the past season was putting pool noodles at drowning hot spots.

Stored in a PVC tube and sponsored by

Hungry Lion, each tube had instructions to throw the noodle to a person in difficulty, to call for help … and not to go into the water.

For the coming holiday season on the Garden Route, money is being raised to fund better emergency flotation in the form of pink torpedo buoys. These brightly coloured emergency flotation rescue devices will be hung on specially designed signage, which, as with the pool noodles, advises people to throw them to people in difficulty, to call for help and not to go into the water.

The trick is to get flotation to people in difficulty, and get rescue to them as fast as possible. This highlights another problem. Often the crewman carrying the emergency phone gets a call for help from someone who does not know exactly where they are. This wastes precious seconds.

To get this information as fast as possible, Plett has designed a numbered signage system that corresponds with a map on which each point where a person could get into difficulty is recorded. With generous sponsorship from the British Foreign Office these signs will be up and ready for the next season.

By using technology that is readily available, such as WhatsApp, Plett has created a communication system that works like a well-oiled machine.

‘Each sign or map point has a list of critical info digitally attached to it, for example: GPS co-ordinates, closest associated service, directions to get there, gate keys or codes, list of nearby medical and rescue supplies, coast watchers, safety-related information and so on,’ says Marc.

‘This info is all accessible in seconds offline and assists us in getting to the casualties quicker and being better prepared.’

Behind Marc’s joke with Graeme on the swift-water rescue course is an intricate web that took hundreds of hours to put together and involved thousands of hours of training by unpaid volunteers.

All of this to shave off a few seconds when responding to a person whose life is threatened by rip currents in what may be one of the most popular beach destinations in South Africa.

Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017 /

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INITIATIVES

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Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017 /

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REAL-LIFE RESCUE

‘W

hen you’ve had as many of these calls as I have,’ said Rieghard, ‘you develop an instinct for how serious the situation is.

Within 10 seconds I knew this one was really serious.’

Rieghard Janse van Rensberg, Jeffreys Bay NSRI station commander, was on the line to Bridgit Jensen, from whose home little 3½-year-old Chulu had disappeared. He’d last been seen at about 4.30pm. It was now nearly 6pm and darkness was falling fast.

At first the family hadn’t been alarmed: they’d assumed that Chulu had gone with the older kids down to the beach. But then the group returned without him and, no, Chulu hadn’t been with them.

The nightmare started.

The Jensen family home is situated on the north bank of the Krom River, less than a kilometre from the beach and surrounded by dense bush, easy for a little person to get thoroughly lost in.

‘I immediately dispatched two crew members on our quad bike along the beach,’ said Rieghard.

By the time the rest of the crew arrived at the house, it was almost dark.

‘The biggest issue initially was how to coordinate all the helpers,’ said Rieghard.

‘The St Francis crew had also activated; we had people from SMHART, the local security company, and the SAPS arrived at 7pm… and of course we had local residents offering their help too.

‘Then it was how to visualise the area: we had rivers on two sides, the beach and dense bush.’

Rieghard commandeered the family’s iPad and used Google Earth to orientate himself and to prioritise the locations where Chulu would most likely be.

With a clear plan in place, the searchers set out, full of energy and hope – Chulu surely couldn’t have gone far. But as darkness fell and the minutes lengthened into hours, hopes began to dwindle.

At 11pm, with a heavy heart, Rieghard stood down most of the searchers, leaving a handful of crew members who continued to patrol at two-hourly intervals.

By 6.30 the next morning, the SAPS dog unit had arrived. They, too, found the scene a challenge; with so many people around, the dogs found it difficult to pick up a scent.

More SAPS personnel arrived to help and a search-and-rescue helicopter

FINDING CHULU

Personnel from the local security company, SMHART, and the SAPS arrived to assist with the search for Chulu.

Inset: Chulu is safe.

16 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHS: PAUL VAN JAARSVELD

Sea Rescue crews, security personnel, community members and the SAPS embark on a manhunt for a missing child.

Rob Mousley tells the story.

PhotographS: Paul Van Jaarsveld

was deployed, equipped with a FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera that might be able to pick up a heat signature – but only if Chulu were still alive.

By now Rieghard had a laminated A3 map printed from Google Earth, and a white board brought from the NSRI base. ‘Those two things were critical to our ability to plan and direct operations,’ he said.

With unreliable cell coverage, communications were tricky, so Rieghard had each team report back in person after they’d searched each assigned area.

Meanwhile Station 21 (St Francis Bay) had managed to get their RIB through the mouth into the Krom River to search along the banks.

‘We couldn’t get the boat into the creek next to the house,’ station commander Sara Smith said, ‘so a couple of our crew went to get stand-up paddleboards [SUPs] that would be able to navigate the shallow water.’

An eerie silence, in sharp contrast to the energy and chatter of the previous day, had come over the teams.

‘There was so much water,’ said Sara, ‘and areas with quicksand. Also, it was such a cold night – and wet from the rain. We just didn’t see how a child could survive.’

The SAPS helicopter arrived and the search continued.

Finally, just before 1pm, the call came. It was an abrupt message: ‘We’ve found him.’ His heart in his mouth, Rieghard stepped away from the crowded command centre. ‘I had to find out whether he was alive or dead,’ he said.

The two SUP paddlers had made their way up the creek, their craft gliding over the shallow water, when they spotted what looked like a log half-hidden in the fynbos. As they paddled closer, they recognised what it was – a small backside sticking up out of the undergrowth.

‘Chulu!’ No response. Fearing the worst, one crewman reached out to lift the little body, and as he touched it, the child twisted in his grasp and threw his arms tightly around his neck. It was Chulu – he was alive, albeit freezing cold.

From there it was a rapid trip by quad bike and helicopter to hospital, where Chulu was treated for hypothermia and discharged, fit and healthy, the next day.

‘That little boy has rare spirit to survive such a night,’ said Sara, ‘and a couple of guardian angels!’

‘It was an amazing end to the story,’ said Rieghard. ‘We took a group photo and I can say that no one had a dry eye! It was an unbelievable team effort – thanks to SAPS, SMHART security, the local residents who helped and, of course, the crews.’

Clockwise from top left: Crew plot the search area; rescue vessels are dispatched along the Krom River; a hypothermic Chulu is transported to hospital.

Below: The combined and dedicated efforts of search and rescue crews from Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay Sea Rescue stations, the SAPS and SMHART resulted in the story having a happy ending. Chulu made a full recovery after spending the night in hospital.

Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017 /

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CLUB K I D S CLUB KIDS

Hi, everyone, these are your very own Kids’ Club pages. Here you can have fun, fill in puzzles, win prizes and learn new facts. Most importantly, we want you all to be safe around water.

i z n a m a g N i z a Y Know about water!

For example, you should never go swimming alone, and don’t cross streams, even if they look shallow, because there could be a hidden hole you can fall into.

We have many lessons we want to share with you so you are always safe!

We hope you enjoy the games. And please write to us or draw us a picture. We would love to hear from you!

CAN YOU NAME OUR MASCOTs? You will be seeing a lot of our mascots – the yellow octopus and the orange fish –

but we need names for them. Can you help us?

Ask your friends and family to help if you like and you are welcome to send in more than one name for each. If yours is one of the two winning names chosen you can win a hamper of Sea Rescue goodies.

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

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Blokkiesraaisel 2

Take a good look at the picture and see if you can unscramble the words.

nile dro kooh nikser fihsrenam finshig

WORD JUMBLE ANSWERS: Line, rod, hook, sinker, fisherman, fishing.

20 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

ILLUSTRATIONS: NICOLA SMITH; SUDOKU, BLOKKIESRAAISEL, WORD JUMBLE: INPRA

Word Jumble

6 4 2 5 3 1

2 5

4 6 2

6

4

LEIDRADE - DWARS 4 Klein, slim walvisagtige diere wat baie soos visse met lang snoete lyk (7) 5 Die groot klomp soutwater rondom al die droë grond op aarde (3) 7 Dop wat die huisie kon gewees het van ’n slak in die see (5) AF 1 Aan die een kant van ons land, Suid-Afrika, is ’n deel van die see wat die Atlantiese Oseaan genoem word; aan die ander kant is die . . . Oseaan (7) 2 Grootste van al die diere in die see; dit lyk soos ’n vis, maar is nie regtig een nie (6) 3 Visvang met ’n stok en ’n vislyn (6) 5 Asem só uitblaas dat ’n mens dit kan hoor; in gedigte kan digters sê die wind of die see maak ook so (3)

5

1

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1

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Probeer om die blokkiesraaisel uit te werk.

Jy kan Mamma of Pappa vra om te help!

K

3

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BLOKKIESRAAISEL OPLOSSING: Dwars: 4. Dolfyne, 5. See, 7. Skulp Af: 1. Indiese, 2. Walvis, 3. Hengel, 5. Sug.

4 6

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2 5 4 6 1 3 1 6 3 2 5 4 3 4 6

Can you fill in the missing numbers?

Give it a try, but don’t peek at the answers!

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sudoku

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spot the difference 1

2

Take a close look at the two pictures on the left. There are five differences in picture 2.

Can you find them?

ANSWERS: 1. No snorkel 2. No treasure chest 3. No jellyfish 4. No sea snail 5. No octopus ILLUSTRATIONS: NICOLA SMITH; SUDOKU, BLOKKIESRAAISEL, WORD JUMBLE: INPRA

join our club You will get a special certificate to put up on your wall, you will be sent your own magazine three times a year and you might be one of the lucky ones to win a Sea Rescue T-shirt.

Join our club for R100 a year Ask your mom or dad to fill this in*

Please find enclosed cheque/postal order for R100 Debit my Visa/MasterCard to the amount of R100 Cardholder’s name:....................................................................................

Card number

Name:..................................................................................................................................

Surname:........................................................................................... Age:....................

Expiry date of card:

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

CVV number:

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

Cardholder’s telephone number: (..............)......................................

Telephone number: (..............)....................................................................................

Signature:.........................................................................................................

* If your mom or dad is a rescue volunteer, you can join at no cost.

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

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news and

g iv e a w a y s

Write to us!

Email your letters, drawings and membership form to info@searecue.org.za or write to us at Kids’ Club, PO Box 154, Green Point, 8051.

Per, 10, holds up his membership certificate!

Welcome to the Club, Per!

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Welcome to our new

‚

Kids Club members Welcome to our littlest member Wout Scheepers.

Wout’s parents are crew members at Station 10 (Simon’s Town)

Thank you to Michael Rosenberg for his donation to Sea Rescue. We believe he emptied his money box to do so! Thank you to mum, Wendy, for making sure his hard-saved money found its way to us!

We really appreciate it, Michael!

22 / Sea Rescue / winter 2017

The Little Optimist

By Greg Bertish Illustrations by Chip Snaddon Join the Little Optimist as he goes on big adventures, showing us all that with heart and bravery we can achieve anything we put our minds to, no matter how small we are, or how limited we may feel. The Little Optimist encourages us to ‘never give up’. We have five copies of this beautifully illustrated children’s book to give away. To stand a chance of winning one, SMS your name, daytime telephone number, address and the words ‘Sea Optimist’ to 33828.

Terms and conditions: 1. The draw is open to all Sea Rescue kids. 2. Entries for the giveaway close on 15 September 2017. 3. The winners will be selected by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winners’ names will be printed in the Summer 2017 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.

Image courteSy: JENNIFER PONDER

industry partners

NCS RESINS

PITCHES IN F

or those of us lucky enough to spend time on the sea off South Africa’s often-wild coastline, the red and yellow paint scheme of the NSRI’s rescue craft is instantly recognisable. Those vivid colours evoke different responses in different people.

To the onlooker safe on shore, the boats are simply exciting to watch as they smash through the waves… And to the crew members, the colours represent the team: pride, perhaps, and belonging.

But to the sailor, fisherman or paddler struggling in the water, the colours represent relief, safety and a chance to live another day.

24 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

All the boats in the fleet, some 112 of them, are painted the same. ‘And of those, about 85% are RIBs,’ says Phil Ress, RIB project manager at the NSRI. (The colours are designed to be highly visible in all weather conditions.)

Gemini Marine Phil oversees the hectic ongoing schedule of new-build, repair and refurbishment of RIBs from all over South Africa at the Gemini Marine factory. At any one time, about 10 NSRI boats are on the cavernous factory floor.

The boats come in eight standard sizes, ranging from a 4.2m soft-bottom rubber duck through to the 10.6m self-righting cabin RIB. ‘Generally, the closer the base is to a port, the larger the boats,’ Phil explains.

It’s the larger bases that operate the deep-sea rescue boats – mostly former Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) boats – with one or more RIBs in support.

At the smaller, more remote bases, the RIBs provide the full rescue service.

All the NSRI boats are built rein-

forced for rescue using premium-grade materials. ‘These boats are a little more costly than commercial boats,’ says Phil.

‘We only use the best materials – quality is everything.’

Maintenance The maintenance cycle of RIBs sees them undergo a full refit every five years. The average lifespan of the craft is 15 years, although this varies, and one or two of the boats from the 1980s are still going strong.

During such refits, each craft is stripped down to the bare hull and the electrics replaced. ‘Surprisingly the tubes actually outlast the hulls,’ Phil says. ‘The fabric is a material called Hypalon, which is a synthetic braided rubber. It’s UV-, oil- and scratch-resistant. Expensive stuff, but it’s the best.’

The navigation, radio and other electronics, as well as the hardware such as crew harnesses and other safety gear are standardised across the fleet.

‘We sometimes have to move boats between bases,’ says Phil. ‘So it’s important

PhotographS: ROB MOUSLEY

Industry partners who share expertise, sponsor materials and lend support are vital in the building and maintenance of the NSRI fleet. Rob Mousley spoke to a new sponsor and NSRI’s operations department.

Above: Trevor I’Ons (left), Managing Director of NCS Resins (Pty) Ltd on the presentation of their R125 000 donation to Mark Hughes, NSRI Director of Operations.

Above right: RIBS in progress on the Gemini factory floor.

PhotographS: ROB MOUSLEY

that the layouts are the same. The crews need to be able to jump on any boat in the fleet and feel at home instantly.’

The NSRI team runs a continuous improvement programme and uses the refits to update and upgrade the boats.

The hulls are designed to be enginemanufacturer-agnostic. ‘Because the motors are serviced out in the field,’ Phil explains, ‘the availability of the manufacturers’ agents is key to the choice of motor for a particular base. So we use either Yamaha, Honda or Mercury engines. It wouldn’t make sense to bring the boats back here just to service the motors!

‘We get our inspiration from boat shows and other organisations like the RNLI. We don’t profess to know everything; we’re always looking for ways to improve the boats.’

NCS Resins NCS Resins, a member of the SynChem* Group of Companies, is a proudly South

African manufacturer of the raw materials used to build Gemini rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for the NSRI. NCS Resins produces the gelcoats, resins, flowcoats and bonding pastes that are used to manufacture fibreglass composite hulls. how do resins work?

The rigid hulls of the RIBs are made from three basic components: unsaturated polyester gelcoat, the cloth-like rolls of fibreglass reinforcement, and liquid unsaturated polyester resin, which is mixed with a liquid peroxide catalyst.

After mould release is applied, the mould is coated with an NCS Resins premium, Lloyd’s-approved, isophthalic gelcoat that is specially formulated for marine environments. This tough coating serves a dual purpose: to protect the underlying composite from osmosis and provide an aesthetically pleasing coloured finish to the exterior.

The fibreglass is laid in strips behind the gelcoat. Then an NCS Resins premium SABS 713-compliant and Lloyd’s-approved resin is mixed with the catalyst and poured onto the fibreglass reinforcement, penetrating and wetting it. The fibreglass is then consolidated to

wet out the reinforcement and remove any air entrapment.

The catalyst enables the resin to polymerise and ‘cure’ i.e. to harden into a solid. The resulting cured composite material is then removed from the mould and forms the hardwearing, rigid hull. Magic! keeping the nsri afloat NCS Resins recently donated a total of R125 000 to be spent on materials for the RIBs. Managing director Trevor I’Ons said the company was proud to partner with the NSRI. ‘This is not only in the form of our monetary donation but also through continuing to provide our high-performing products, service and technical support to the manufacturers of their rescue fleet.’

‘We are totally reliant on sponsors and donors to build our boats,’ says Mark Hughes, NSRI’s Operations Director.

‘They have to be built to the highest standards to withstand the harsh conditions in which we operate, and this doesn’t come cheap. We are fortunate to have partners in the industry, like NCS Resins, who not only support us directly, but also partner with us in offering their technical expertise. We look forward to a long relationship with them.’

*Synthesis Chemical Holdings (SynChem) is a chemical, minerals beneficiation, and performance coatings holding company, with various operations across the industry. The Group’s product range includes basic chemicals, life sciences, pharmaceutical, specialty chemicals, industrial minerals, technology-based performance coatings and consumer products. For more information visit synchem.co.za Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017 /

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IN THE NEWS 24-HOUR ENDURANCE SWIM Cape Town businessman Toni Enderli is one of our WaterWise Academy brand ambassadors. Toni is a man on a mission – he has set his sights on becoming the first South African to conquer seven of the world’s most extreme ocean channel swims. As part of his journey, Toni is raising funds for three charities, one of which is our WaterWise programme.

In April Toni invited 30 swimmers to ‘Come swim with me’ in a 24-hour endurance swim raising R13 700 for WaterWise. Some of these swimmers were extreme athletes who completed the full 24-hour stretch (covering close to 50km each); the others swam up to 12 hours each in relay sessions. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event, as well as those who came to support us.

Naor Lombard, 12, raised more than R1 500 from his family and friends. He wrote the letter featured (right).

From left: Joining Toni for a swim session were Josh Wigley (Station 23, Wilderness), Dr Cleeve Robertson (CEO), Andrew Ingram and Brett Ayres (head office), and Ernesta Swanepoel (Station 2, Bakoven, and Station 29, Air Sea Rescue). Fundraising secretary Kelly Cowell (absent from photo) also participated in the swim.

It is a great privilege for me to take part in the 24-hour endurance swim. Since I started swimming at age nine, it has become a passion and a way of life. I am a member of the Big Bay Nippers and love taking part in openwater races. Taking part in this challenge has given me the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of teaching underprivileged children about water safety and how to swim. I have witnessed first-hand the importance of being able to swim on our family farm in the Little Karoo. Lots of underprivileged children flock to the dams to cool down and have fun playing in the water. Unfortunately not all of them know how Krista Lazzari, Alison Smith to swim, which can be dangerous. and Andrew Ingram with Toni.

I would like to say a big thank you to my family and friends and Augusta Place for supporting the NSRI. Follow Toni on social media or at his website http://toni.co.za/oceans-7/ Naor Lombard

26 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

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NEWS

NEW FUEL SPONSOR

Sincere thanks to Africa Bunkering & Shipping (ABS) for coming on board as the fuel sponsor for Stations 3 (Table Bay) and 8 (Hout Bay).

‘We look forward to a long relationship with the NSRI … Sailors on our waters have come to rely on and trust [NSRI] with their lives. We feel proud to be associated with the NSRI, and have a passion for doing things safely and getting the job done,’ said an ABS spokesperson.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD PARTNERSHIPS: Anglo American Thermal Coal • Brand Engineering SA (Pty) Ltd • De Beers Marine (Pty) Ltd • Freddy Hirsch Group • West Point Fishing Corporation (Pty) Ltd • Lusitania Marketing Services • Africa Bunkering & Shipping cc • MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping (Pty) Ltd • MixTelematics International (Pty) Ltd • Numan Investments (Pty) Ltd • Peregrine Equities • Pioneer Fishing (Pty) Ltd • Press Spinning and Stamping Co • Premier Fishing SA (Pty) Ltd • Ruwekus Fishing • Sterling Private Wealth • Store Maintenance and Installation Specialists (Pty) Ltd • Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing • Viking Fishing Co (Pty) Ltd • Imperial Group Ltd t/a Alert Engine Parts • JLT South Africa (Pty) Ltd noel nsri advert.pdf 1 2015/10/15 03:26:51 PM

Southern Power is the official Importer & Distributor of Volvo Penta marine engines, generators, spare parts & accessories and has been supplying the Marine Industry since 1985

www.southernpower.co.za

NEWS

Thanks to Masons for donation Masons in Port Elizabeth have kindly donated four Icom IC-M30 Marine VHF Hand Held Radios. Clear and reliable means of communication are critical to both the success of rescue operations and the safety of our volunteer crew members. During their lifespan the radios will probably be utilised in over 250 lifesaving operations and twice as many training scenarios.

Phil Rademan is a past crew member of the station and still a staunch supporter.

28 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

A huge thank you to Second Skins, who donated a rash vest to each of our crew members. Their motivation for supporting Sea Rescue is simply this: ‘Second Skins keep our rescuers safe from the harsh weather elements while they are out saving lives.’ Here the rescuers from Richards Bay model their new kit.

Thanks to LEWIS STORES

C W

Thank you to Lewis Stores, who donated a microwave and an appliance pack (including a toaster and kettle) to Station 24 (Lambert’s Bay). Pictured above are Gregory Cloete and Faffa Pieters with Lewis Stores Manager Evelen Isaacs.

S o

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Mercantile NSRI Golf Day rakes in an impressive R251 222 And what a spectacular day it turned out to be. Hosted by Pearl Valley Golf Estate and organised by fundraiser Cathy Bartlett and title sponsor Mercantile Bank, the day raised an incredible R251 222. Our grateful thanks go to the players, hole sponsors and those who donated prizes and auction lots. We used the opportunity to bless two new rescue vessels: Mercantile Spirit, which was sponsored by Mercantile Bank and is the new 4.2-metre vessel for Gordon’s Bay; and Il Battello, the new 4.7-metre vessel for Kommetjie, paid for with the proceeds of the Johannesburg Golf Day held in November last year.

www.zoomadvertising.co.za | 82478

Cool tech Warm winter

Latest technical designs • Down- and Thermo-Shield filled puffers Advanced fleeces in 3 weights • Waterproof outers • Terrain-tested footwear SA’s greatest selection of quality brands Call toll-free 0800 003 051 for your nearest store SHOP ONLINE: www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za

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NEWS

BLESSING OF SPIRIT OF DAY

Earlier this year, the naming and blessing of the 6.5-metre RIB Spirit of Day was held at Station 3 (Table Bay). The late Bernard Day who sponsored the vessel was remembered and honoured by station commander Quentin Botha.

Steven Friedmann and Nadia Speranza of ebmpapst Sea Rescue is pleased to welcome ebmpapst on board as our newest Platinum Partner. ebmpapst is a German manufacturer of fans and motors, with offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Steven Friedmann, Sales Director of ebmpapst South Africa says, ‘We are very excited about our partnership with Sea Rescue, as we believe the service the volunteers deliver is world class and, as a company, ebmpapst strives to deliver world-class service too.’

Station commander Quentin Botha, Innocent Dwayi (I&J) and Stuart Moerdyk (NSRI corporate fundraiser).

Hennie and Zenobia Taljaard.

From left: Paul Couzis and family, and Sergio Galli and family on the right (Italtile).

30 / SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017

Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) recently received a full set of All Terrain Tyres kindly donated and fitted

by Continental Tyre South Africa. These General Grabber AT tyres have made a great improvement to the off-road capability of the station’s rescue vehicle, especially on the extensive sandy beaches and large dune fields of Algoa Bay. A BIG THANK YOU to the Conti guys for all their help!

Thank you to Triton Gloria Investments, who sponsored 38 Q-Product boxes, one for each of our bases.

50TH ANNIVERSARY PRINTED KANGAROO HOODIES

KNYSNA AND PLETT CREW STEP IN TO HELP EVACUATE RESIDENTS DURING THE GARDEN ROUTE FIRES

Our friends at Rip Curl have come on board and helped us make these commemorative hoodies to celebrate our 50th anniversary. We’re using them to raise funds for rescue crew clothing. Your purchase of a hoodie will help us kit out a rescuer.

Please support us and help keep our crew warm and dry.

›› Aan elkeen wat hul lewens op die spel geplaas het om die vlamme van hel tot bedaring te bring, baie, baie dankie. Ek bid dat julle gou ’n ruskans gaan kry.

M Fourie van Vuuren ›› Thank you so much, NSRI! I wish I could personally thank each and every one of you. Ronel Volschenk ›› I have no words to decribe this. Thank you to the incredibly brave men and women who rallied to rescue others when their own lives were falling apart.

Antoinette Opperman ›› Dankie, julle almal wat so hard gewerk het om die mense te help. Mag die Here jul almal honderdvoudig seen. Elma Pieterse Station 12 (Knysna) assisted with the evacuation of the Belvedere residents to St James via the estuary. The conditions were challenging and the experience was very emotional for the residents.

TO ORDER, see the catalogue insert in this issue or email info@searescue.org.za (The hoodies are unisex and priced at R480 each. XS to XXXL while stocks last.)

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

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NEWS

Our new ad with Ogilvy A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this production who has given so selflessly and generously of their time, their resources, their skills, and/or their equipment. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support for this incredible project, and we at Velocity Films, as well as Ogilvy & Mather, and most especially the NSRI are extremely grateful and appreciative. The loyalty and generosity of spirit shown by this incredible film industry has really touched all of us.

Thank you so very much, Greg, Helena & Shannon

NSRI thank you list/ sponsors/contributors OGILVY TEAM Luca Gallarelli – Managing Director Tseliso Rangaka – Executive Creative Director Cathy Day – Head of Broadcast Mike Martin – Creative Director Katie Mylrea – Art Director Dale Winton – Copy Writer Tammy Dent – Account Manager director – GREG GRAY Executive Producer – Helena Woodfine Production Manager – Shannon McDougall CASTING DIRECTOR Cheryl Battersby – The Batt House TALENT Roxanne Kalie (Daughter)/ Agent Pursch Artistes Herschel Bennet (Father)/ Agent Pursch Artistes Evan Fredericks (Groom)/ Agent Ozone Dylanne Powell

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(Bridesmaid)/ Direct Mark Collin Capes (Groom’s Father)/Agent 39 Steps Melody Ross (Bride’s Mother)/Agent Martez Model Management Veronica Daniels (Groom’s Mother)/Celebrities Casting Egan Vorster (Best Man)/ Agent Candys Wedding reception background extras – House of Fame and 39 Steps TALENT AGENTS Pursch Artistes Ozone 39 Steps House of Fame Martez Model Management Candys Celebrities CREW Director of Photography – Paul Gilpin of Call a Crew 1st Art Director – Nick Lorentz of Radical Cast Coordinator – Dylanne Powell of Nautilus

CAMERA DEPARTMENT Camera Operator – Devin Toselli/KrewKut Focus Puller A – Jason Musgrave/Radical Focus Puller B – Willem Engelbrecht Loader – Matthew Goosen DIT OP – Eduardo De Veiga VTO – Anthony English/ Nautilus SOUND DEPARTMENT Sound Mixer – Jonathan Chiles GRIPS DEPARTMENT Key Grip/Safety Officer – Robbie Fivaz/Nautilus Best Boy Grip – Siphenathi Mbunje/Nautilus Assistant Grip Code 10 – Lyal Filliess/Nautilus Grip Trainee – Jody/Nautilus Remote Head Technician – Keegan Horn/Rocksolid LIGHTING DEPARTMENT Gaffer – Simon Francis/Pulse Best Boy – Leon Harris/Pulse Spark – Christopher Clarke/ Radical Spark Code 10 – Marcel Mutombo/Pulse Generator Operator Wellington Chawatama/ Panalux

PRODUCTION SUPPORT PA – Ryan Truter/Pulse PA – Alex Lee Medic – Michael du Plooy/ Medic 8 Cast Shuttle – Ebrahiema vd Schyff Post Production – Deliverance UNIT & LOCATION LOGISTICS Unit Manager – Gareth de Bruyn Unit Assistant – Kalvin Bezuidenhout Unit Assistant – Justin Bezuidenhout TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT The Van Cartel Avo Orange Tell Reid Unit & Location Logistics EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIER SPONSORHIP Camera & Grips Equipment – Panavision Lighting Equipment – Panalux Grips Equipment – Robbie Fivaz DIT – Eduardo Da Veiga Sound – Jonathan Chiles Stablised Head – Rocksolid Remotes Unit Gear and On Set Radios

– Gareth de Breuyn/Unit & Location Logistics Transport – The Van Cartel Sanitation – Sale’s Hire Catering – Hansen’s CREWING AGENTS Call A Crew (Jhb), KrewKut, Medic 8, Nautilus, Pulse, Radical Crew MARINE SUPPORT: Frog Squad Marine Coordinator – Jimmy Fraser Skipper – Andre Jacques ON SET CATERING: Hansen’s Vikki & Joan Catering Team Leader – Elliot Tsetsi Catering Driver – Gift Chapapa Catering Assistant – Shepi Gqwaru Craft Leader/Driver – Stalin Ndlovu Craftee – Augie Ntambwe Craftee – Didier Ngombo Craftee – Freddy Bagalwa EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION Editor – Ricky Boyd/ Deliverance Producer – Paula Raphael/ Deliverance

Post Production Support – Zeni Papu Grade & Online –David Oosthuizen Sound Engineer Final Mix – Graham Merrill/WELOVEJAM Music broker – Marc Algranti/ Pulse Music NY KEY ART DEPARTMENT/ WARDROBE & LOCATION SPONSORS/ CONTRIBUTORS Wedding car – Peter Hoffman/Tint & Hue Wedding dress – Ilse Roux/ Bridal Shop All additional wardrobe courtesy of Sylvia van Heerden and Theatre & Film Costume Hire Wedding cake – Crystal Tier Cakes Wedding flowers – Mireille Huelin Wedding reception supplies – Exquisite Hiring Wedding reception location (Hardy Hall, Marsh Memorial) Lisa Martin – 021 Locations SHOOT INSURANCE SPONSORSHIP Estelle Giudici – CC&A Insurance Brokers

ART DEPARTMENT Art Director – Chris Bass/ Call a Crew Props – Robyn Knox Drivers – Levi Mayanba and Peter Hoffman WARDROBE & MAKE-UP Wardrobe Stylist – Sylvia van Heerden/Radical Wardrobe Assistant – Emma Gilpin Make-up Artist – Annette Keet Make-up & Hair Assistant – Caitlin Swart Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017 /

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AGM

2017 AGM

NSRI celebrated its 50th Annual General Meeting and Awards evening in Cape Town on Monday 12 June 2017 at Rotunda – The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Thank you to Village and Life for sponsoring the event.

Thanks also to Mark Bayly, a dear friend and longtime supporter of NSRI, who donated his services as our MC and host for the evening.

LINCOLN RESCUE

November 2015, the 29-metre steel fishing vessel Baratz was sinking with 25 crewmen aboard in rough sea conditions. They were 2 miles offshore, southeast of Cape Recife, Port Elizabeth. The sea conditions were 4-5-metre swells, with a force 6 southeasterly wind of 25 knots and rain squalls.

A Bronze Class Gallantry Award was presented to John Fletcher by NSRI Chairman Ronnie Stein In response, John said, ‘It was a great honour to win an award of this magnitude. I was just one of many people who contributed to the success of the rescue. I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I have no doubt every other NSRI member would have done the same.’

The boat crew and helicopter crews were honoured with CEO Letters of Appreciation. Boat crew: Jonathan Tufts, Mark Boyers, Marizaan Booysen; Air Sea Rescue crew: Sean Lunnon, Marko Holtz, Damiano Hand, Gareth De Vry and Kevin Warren; SAAF: Major Herman Swart (pilot), Corporal Cobus Botha, Major Johan Stander (pilot) and Flight Sergeant Coert Steynberg.

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Station 17 (Hermanus) boat crew: Antonie de Klerk, Alwyn Geldenhuys, Jean Le Roux, Andre Barnard and Deon Langenhoven.

helicopter crew: Lt. Col. Brian Bell, Major Marius Havenga, Flight Sergeant Oosthuizen and rescue swimmer Davide del Fante.

On 27 September 2015, a Mayday call was sent at approximately 18h00 from FV Lincoln. They were positioned 20nm south of Hangklip and 32nm southeast of Cape Point and taking on water. All 21 crew on board were preparing to abandon ship. Station 10 (Simon’s Town), Station 17 (Hermanus) and Station 29 (Air Sea Rescue) responded, while MV Harvest Rising, FV Fuchsia, FV Armana, and FV African Queen diverted to the area.

Top left: CEO Letters of Appreciation were presented to Station 10’s (Simon’s Town) boat crew Robbie Robinson, Lydelle Joubert, Herby Meth and Darren Zimmerman (absent: Gary Fulton).

Directors’ Thanks were awarded to the captains and crews of Harvest Rising, Armana, Fuchsia and African Queen.

PhotographS: supplied

BARATZ RESCUE On the afternoon of Thursday 26

Our congratulations to two young lifeguards Conrad Kriel and Kael Mead for the rescue of a woman off Strand beach on the morning of Saturday 26 March 2017. Read the story on page 8.

The Most Improved Station of the year 2016 was awarded to Station 26 (Kommetjie).

Celebrating 50 years of Sea Rescue, founder members who served as crew from 1967 were honoured as Honorary Life Members.

• The Station 3 crew of rescue boat Snoopy based at Three Anchor Bay were the late Ray Lant, the late Bob Deacon, the late Neville Lipman, the late Harry Nagel and the late Cooper Gorton.

• The Station 2 crew of rescue boat Excalibur based at Bakoven: Ivan Klerk, Don Nicholls, Peter Adamo, Peter Pienaar, Mitch Brown, Peter Pullen, Allan Cramb, Michael Hopkins, the late Michael Lundy, the late Fred Lighton and the late Derwent Kieser.

ALRIC SIMPSON TROPHY 2016

PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED

was awarded to the Plettenberg Bay Fundraising Committee for their remarkable effort and contribution over four decades. Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) boasts a proud tradition of securing funding for each one of their assets as well as their running costs and rescue-base refurbishments from local sponsors and donors. In fact, they have banked a surplus of R3m, which accrues interest and is ringfenced for future projects. This is an outstanding achievement that shows great dedication and passion.

St 14’s fundraising chairman David Haysom receives the award from Ronnie Stein.

The Best RIB Station for 2016 was awarded to Station 23 (Wilderness). Station commander Robert van Helsdingen receives the award.

The Pat O’ Sullivan Trophy for the best Class 1 (big boat) Station 2016 was awarded to Station 3 (Table Bay).

Operations director Mark Hughes (left) and station commander Quentin Botha.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION GOES TO THE INCREDIBLE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED AS VOLUNTEERS FOR 20 YEARS AND LONGER: 20 YEARS Jonathan Tufts – Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) Mike Wilson – Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) Geoff Stephens – Station 8 (Hout Bay) Anton Prinsloo – Station 16 (Strandfontein) John Costello – Station 28 (Port St Johns) Hennie Taljaard – Retired Chairman and Honorary Life Governor 25 YEARS Clifford Ireland – Station 5 (Durban) Neville Eustice – Station 12 (Knysna) Rein Hofmeyr – Station 12 (Knysna) Dr Berend Maarsingh – Station 12 (Knysna) Vaughn Seconds – Station 16 (Strandfontein) 30 YEARS John Brown – Station 3 (Table Bay) and volunteer first-aid trainer Paul Bevis – Station 5 (Durban) 35 YEARS Ian Gray – Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) 45 YEARS Pat van Eyssen – Station 3 (Table Bay) Mike Patterson – Station 19 (Richards Bay) 50 YEARS Brian Hustler – Station 6 (PE) and Honorary Life Governor Allan Cramb – Station 2 (Bakoven) and Honorary Life Governor SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

35

LIFE BOAT CLUB

Left: Helen Wienand hosted a group of supporters at a Tea and Tour of Station 5 (Durban). It’s always a great opportunity for our donors to inspect our facilities, meet our crew and get a glimpse of life as a rescuer.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAKING FRIENDS

Please join us at our events coming up during the second half of the year.

Above: Judy Venter hosted some of her members at the blessing ceremony of Free Runner, the new jetski launched at Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay).

Roy and Ursula Harding, dear friends of the late Jack and Irene Riley, visited Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay). With them, from left are Brian Rogers, Mark Nagel, Constant Valey, Neil Slater, Ivan Bauser, Cameron Green and Richard Adendorf.

Thanks to overseas friends Isaac and Maureen Lipshitz (tourists visiting from Israel) donated R200 to NSRI in acknowledgement of Gordon’s Bay crewman Cameron Green’s kindness. Cameron stopped to help them after they had a burst tyre on the N2 near Somerset West. He was wearing his crew shirt at the time.

Thank you for the donations received Special occasions: Chris Bertie (70th birthday), James and Julie Redfern (Wedding), George and Vivien Lezard (Diamond wedding anniversary), Jackie and Andrew Murray (32nd wedding anniversary), Ms Ettie Flax (80th birthday) In honour and memory of: Peter Holling, Barrie Rose, Malcolm Griffin, Lionel Steven Gericke, Warwick James, Robert Pabst, Glen McGregor of Clifton Lifesaving, Mirian Linda Sawyer, ADC Robertson, Coreen Gie, Mr Elliot Ashes log: Station 2 (Bakoven): Mr Housley, Station 18 (Melkbosstrand): Gary Dennis Baker, Station 3 (Table Bay): Howie Leong 36 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

16 August: Tea at La Piazzo, The Well, Ballito 22 August: Tea at Algoa Bay Yacht Club, Port Elizabeth, 10am, followed by a base tour 23 August: Tea at Two Acres, Hillcrest, 11am 26 August: Tea and tour at Table Bay station, 11am 29 August: Base tour at Shelly Beach station, 11am 30 August: Base tour at Port Edward station, 11am 9 September: Tea and tour at Strandfontein station, 11am 12 September: Tea and tour at St Francis station, 11am 13 September: Tea at Blue Zoo, Mitchell Park, 10.30 am 20 September: Tea, talk and tour at Richards Bay station 11 October: Lunch at Fernhill Restaurant, Howick, 12pm For more information, to book or to be added to our mailing list, please call Natasha on 021 434 4011 or email natasha@searescue. org.za Please note: Event dates may change so please RSVP.

Life boat Club

MEMORY LANE

THEN Right: At Hermanus’s Open Day: John Roberts, Henk Henn, George Stoddard, Michael Clark, Ian Alton and Peter Dagg.

... AND NOW

50TH ANNIVERSARY

OPEN DAYS

To celebrate 50 years of saving lives on South African waters, we have been hosting Open Days at our bases around the country.

O

ur Open Days provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with past members and supporters. We have enjoyed sharing memories, retelling stories and renewing old friendships. If you have not yet attended an Open Day in your area please get in touch with us or check the schedule of upcoming events. 50 years is quite a milestone and we thank each person who has played a part in helping us to grow into the organisation that we are today.

PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED STRANDFONTEIN IMAGES: SAM RORWANA PHOTOGRAPHY

Members of the Poole family, including Janet Widelko, and Neville, Mildred and Roland Poole (right), and Strandfontein crew and friends (below) remember founding station commander Abraham Poole at the station’s Open Day.

Hermanus founding members: Michael Clark, George Stoddard and Ian Alton.

The amazing commemorative cake Adri Liebenberg created for Hermanus.

See your address sheet for the scheduled Open Days. Or call 021 434 4011 to see if there is one in your area. We would love to see you.

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

37

real-life rescue

out of

time T

he Stella Maris was nearly 8km off Camps Bay when one of the crew looked up and exclaimed, ‘What’s that?!’ As they motored closer, they saw a kayak bobbing on the choppy water, with a waterlogged body in the sea next to it. ‘Help me!’ The voice was faint, barely audible above the noise of wind and waves.

Craig Lambinon of the NSRI had taken a call that morning. On the other end of the line was Seraj Girie. ‘I’m about 200m off Three Anchor Bay,’ Seraj had said. ‘The wind has come up and I need help.’

Seraj had launched that morning with a group of buddies to go kayak-fishing, but he’d

PhotographS: supplied

When 47-year-old kayak-fisher Seraj Girie got into difficulty out at sea, it took a concerted search effort and help from caring bystanders to find and save him.

Rob Mousley tells the story.

become separated from them as he set his lines. He’d been knocked off his craft by the waves into the cold water, and had realised he was in trouble.

‘Don’t worry,’ said Craig. ‘We’re coming to get you. Keep your phone on!’

Craig had been concerned mostly about hypothermia: the temperature in Table Bay was 13˚C that day and a swimmer wouldn’t last long.

Three NSRI boats launched: one from Bakoven and two from the Table Bay station.

In addition, NSRI Honorary Life Governor Howard Godfrey launched his own boat, Gemini One. The Cape Town Boating Network was alerted too.

The NSRI’s Coast Watch network, a team of volunteers living along the coast, was activated via its WhatsApp group and scoured the ocean with binoculars. And they did find a kayaker – but it wasn’t the right one. Moving the search further out to sea, they found a group of fishing kayakers near Robben Island. No, we’re all fine, they said. No,

38 / Sea Rescue / WINTER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED

they knew nothing about a missing kayaker.

The NSRI Air Sea Rescue resource, the AMS/EMS Skymed rescue helicopter, was launched to search from the air.

Nothing. Information came in that kayakers had been seen launching at Bantry Bay, so the search area was moved further south.

Craig had tried to call Seraj’s number again and again – and each time it just went to a recorded message. ‘You have reached the number of …’ it said, and gave the name of a plumbing company.

Could this be a false alarm?

Craig decided to go one step further. The recorded message had mentioned a plumbing company and he googled it. Google Maps placed the address in the middle of a residential area. Craig opened Street View. Definitely a residential home; not a business.

‘But still…’ So he called the Athlone police station and made a request: could they send a car to the address to find out if a resident had gone fishing that morning?

Half an hour later the police called back. They’d spoken to an elderly lady at the address, but Craig should call the neighbour. Intrigued, he placed the call.

It turned out that the police had had great difficulty in understanding what the elderly lady was saying and had turned to the neighbour to help.

The upshot was, the woman’s son had indeed gone fishing that morning.

It wasn’t clear where he’d launched but it was somewhere in Table Bay. By now it was over two hours since the initial alert and the chances of finding Seraj alive were diminishing rapidly.

It was then that the call came in from the Stella Maris: ‘We’ve got a guy off a kayak. He’s very cold. He’s in a bad way and needs help urgently.’

Now it was a race against time to get Seraj to hospital. At full-throttle, Spirit of Vodacom roared across the rough sea to rendezvous with the Stella Maris. Having transferred Seraj, the crew found that he

Op em of

Far left: The crew of the Stella Maris were commended for assisting Seraj Girie who was severely hypothermic when he was found.

Left: Table Bay Statcom Quentin Botha and crewman Edward Strydom stabilise Seraj on board Spirit of Vodacom.

was in the throes of acute hypothermia, freezing cold and battling to breathe.

Quickly they stripped him of his wetsuit, wrapped him in warm blankets and placed him on oxygen.

Having obtained permission from the Port Captain for a high-speed entrance into the Victoria basin, Spirit of Vodacom made a dramatic return to base, where Seraj was loaded into an ER24 Ambulance and rushed to hospital.

‘His internal temperature had collapsed to 31˚C,’ says Craig, still shocked at the thought. ‘He literally was a dead man walking.’

Seraj was discharged, back to normal, from hospital the next day. His kayak was found by a trawler and returned to him, slightly damaged but with all its equipment, 10 days later.

‘I’m so grateful to all involved,’ he says. As enthusiastic as ever about fishing, he’s motivating his buddies to take safety a lot more seriously.

‘I really learnt my lesson. The first thing is to be dressed properly,’ he said.

‘Then make sure your cellphone is fully charged. And install SafeTRX!’

Craig Lambinon of the NSRI had taken a call that morning. On the other end of the line was Seraj Girie.

‘I’m about 200m off Three Anchor Bay,’ Seraj had said. ‘The wind has come up and I need help.’

RSA SafeTRX

RSA SafeTRX is a free app for Apple and Android smartphones designed for water users. It turns the phone into a tracking device and enables rescuers to see the GPS position of the casualty instantly. Visit www.nsri.org.za/safetrx/ for more information.

SEA RESCUE / WINTER 2017 /

39

STATION DIRECTORY The nsri is manned by more than 1 000 volunteers at 36 bases around the country, including five inland dams. Our volunteers have day jobs but will always respond to your emergency.

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BAKOVEN Bruce Davidson 082 990 5962 TABLE BAY Dr Quentin Botha 082 990 5963 MYKONOS Casper Frylinck

082 990 5966 DURBAN Clifford Ireland 082 990 5948 PORT ELIZABETH Ian Gray 082 990 0828 EAST LONDON Geoff McGregor 082 990 5972 HOUT BAY Lyall Pringle 082 990 5964 GORDON’S BAY Alan Meiklejohn 072 448 8482 SIMON’S TOWN Darren Zimmermann 082 990 5965 PORT ALFRED Juan Pretorius 082 990 5971 KNYSNA Jerome Simonis 082 990 5956 PLETTENBERG BAY Marc Rodgers 082 990 5975 MOSSEL BAY André Fraser 082 990 5954 STRANDFONTEIN Vaughn Seconds

082 990 6753

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HERMANUS Deon Langenhoven 082 990 5967 MELKBOSSTRAND Rhine Barnes 082 990 5958 RICHARDS BAY Dorian Robertson 082 990 5949 SHELLY BEACH Jeremiah Jackson 082 990 5950 ST FRANCIS BAY Sara Smith 082 990 5969 VAAL DAM Dirk Manten 083 626 5128 WILDERNESS Robert van Helsdingen 082 990 5955 LAMBERT’S BAY 060 960 3027 HARTBEESPOORT DAM Michael Saunders 082 990 5961 KOMMETJIE Ian Klopper 082 990 5979

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GAUTENG Gerhard Potgieter 060 991 9301 PORT ST JOHNS John Costello 082 550 5430 AIRBORNE SEA RESCUE Andy Connell 082 990 5980 AGULHAS Reinard Geldenhuys 082 990 5952 STILL BAY Arrie Combrinck 082 990 5978 PORT EDWARD John Nicholas 082 990 5951 WITSAND Theo Erasmus 082 990 5957 YZERFONTEIN Willem Lubbe

082 990 5974 WITBANK Dean Wegerle

060 962 2620 OYSTER BAY Mark Mans

082 990 5968 JEFFREYS BAY Rieghard Janse van Rensburg

079 916 0390 THEEWATERSKLOOF Kuba Miszewski 072 446 6344

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General needs Data projectors and speakers or flat-screen TVs for training • GoPros or similar waterproof devices to film training sessions • Good-quality waterproof binoculars • Prizes for golf days and fundraising events • Towels for casualties • Groceries such as tea, coffee, sugar and cleaning materials • Long-life energy bars • Wet and dry vacuum cleaners • Dehumidifiers • Small generators • Good-quality toolkits • Top-up supplies for medical kits • Waterproof pouches for cellphones • Tea cups/coffee mugs/glasses for functions • Training-room chairs.

You can also make a cash or EFT donation and let us know which rescue base you would like to support.

Cheques can be mailed to: NSRI, PO Box 154, Green Point 8051.

Deposits can be made at: ABSA, Heerengracht branch Branch code: 506 009 Account number: 1382480607 Account holder: National Sea Rescue Institute Swift code: ABSA-ZA-JJ If you choose to do an EFT, please use your telephone number as a unique reference so that we are able to acknowledge receipt or email your proof of payment.

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