NSRI Sea Rescue Magazine Summer 2011/12 by The Publishing Partnership

ADVERTORIAL

SAFE PASSAGE The South African Maritime

Safety Authority (SAMSA) is currently involved as the executing authority in a project that aims to create a safe, efficient and environmentally protected marine corridor along Africa’s east coast. We take a look at how the project is developing

When one considers the number of vessels traversing the world’s oceans, it makes sense to demarcate safe and recommended routes that would function as marine highways for general cargo ships, oil tankers, fishing trawlers, etc. Since 2007, SAMSA has been involved in the development of one such marine highway. The project, entitled the Western Indian Ocean Marine Highway Development and Coastal and Marine Contamination Prevention Project (WIOMHCCP), aims to increase the safety and efficiency of navigation in the region, while also protecting the coastal and marine environment throughout the region. The ‘region’ in question extends from South Africa to as far north as Kenya and the Seychelles, and includes the waters around Madagascar and Mauritius. The remaining beneficiary countries involved in the WIOMHCCP include Mozambique, Tanzania, the Seychelles, the Commores and support from France (La Réunion).

WHY THE NECESSITY FOR THE WIOMHCCP? The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is a primary maritime traffic route, and sees on average 5 000 tanker voyagers per year, with some 500 million tons of oil products transiting its waters. It is the principle route of 30% of the world’s crude oil supplies.

Over 90% of trade in the region is through the 13 main commercial ports, and there exist in the region oil and gas exploration programmes as well. The number of large tankers and super tankers is increasing, something that reflects positively on the economy, but does, however, also mean a higher risk of a maritime disasters relating to these vessels occurring in this region.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES One of the main objectives of the WIOMHCCP is to help prevent ship-based environmental contamination (such as oil spills from groundings and illegal discharges of ballast and bilge waters) and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources (such as illegal fishing and fishing practices). Another is to strengthen the capacity of countries to respond to an oil-spill emergency in the region. This will be achieved by supporting the efforts of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique to become part of a regional oil-spill response plan, by completing the identification and mapping of environmentally sensitive areas along coasts and sea lanes, and by strengthening the regional collaboration that has been

1THREAD_3400_NSR

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You’ve got to be tough to be in the National Sea Rescue Institute. Their 920 highly skilled, unpaid volunteers are on standby day and night, throughout the year. When you’re saving lives, there’s no room for error. Honda shares this same passion for reliability. The NSRI and Honda are always there when you need them.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE

HONDA MARINE PARKS PROGRAMME

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2011/11/17 9:59 AM

CREW NEWS

TRAINING DAY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE SOUTHERN CAPE RESCUE BASES MET AT STATION 23 (WILDERNESS) IN SEPTEMBER 2011 FOR A DAY OF INTENSE TRAINING, WHICH COVERED EVERYTHING FROM SWIFT-WATER RESCUES TO RIGHTING A CAPSIZED VESSEL AND RECOVERING A ‘DUMMY’ BODY. BY TORSTEN HENSCHEL

t has become tradition among the southern Cape Sea Rescue bases to host regional training exercises, and in September 2011 it was the Wilderness station’s turn. A total of 54 crew of various levels from Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, Still Bay and Witsand NSRI stations participated in training exercises that covered everything from swift-water rescues and recovering a submerged vehicle to righting a capsized vessel and locating and recovering a ‘dummy’ body. The dedication of these volunteers was even more remarkable, since it was the Saturday of the Rugby World Cup 2011 game between the Springboks and Fiji. While crew were getting cold and wet, the game was recorded for them (and then played at the station afterwards as some compensation). Senior crew from Station 23, and their family and friends organised and managed the various aspects of the training and exercises on the day.

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The training exercise consisted of 12 individual training exercises or scenarios, most of which were based on recent rescue experiences. Small groups of four to five crew completed each of the scenarios in rotation, with each exercise taking approximately half and hour.

CMY

PHOTOGRAPHS: DESMOND SCHOLTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

The simulated scenarios included:

• a swift-water (river) rescue using an inflatable stretcher and rope-and-pulley system • a rescue scenario involving a rope ascent and descent • a distance rescue swim • the righting of a capsized inflatable boat in the water • the location of a submerged ‘dummy’ body in deep and dark water, followed by resuscitation techniques • fault finding and starting of an artifically stalled outboard motor on the water • the recovery of a vehicle (a trailer was used in the simulation) from the water, using a combination of winching and 4x4 driving techniques • the simulation of the rescue of two children from behind Kaaimans River waterfall • the rescue swim of a ‘severely injured casualty’ using a backboard, harness and inflatable stretcher • a team rescue run, carrying a stretcher with a ‘severely injured casualty’. Both the rope and swift-water rescue techniques were set up and overseen under the leadership of Deon van Wyk and his capable team at Eden Municipality Fire and Rescue. NSRI is grateful for this opportunity to build its own expertise and experience under their competent stewardship. Station 23 (Wilderness) is grateful for the generous donation of refreshments and supplies that were given by local sponsors. SR Sponsors included: • Blue Mountain Agency • Brad Ralph • Brandhouse • Brisk Ice • Caltex Wilderness Motors • Chipkins • Coca-Cola • Engel & Volkers • Il Fornaio Bakery • La Piazza • Morningside Eggs • Oasis Sedgefield • Pili Pili Extreme Sports • Rica Cold Meat • Rob Morrison (Mingles Pub) • Robyn Drysdale • Sedgefield Garage • Spar Sedgefield • The Beach Café.

This photograph was taken on 28 September 2006 by the Save Our Seas White Shark Research team while visually tracking a large white shark first identified by a Fish Hoek Shark Spotter. On that day the research team were at Seal Island when they got a call from the Fish Hoek Shark Spotter that a large white shark had just entered the bay. No swimmers were in the water at the time, as law enforcement and Shark Spotters had closed the beach. Photograph: Enrico Gennari © Alison Kock/Save our Seas

HOUR OF NEED AFTER MICHAEL COHEN WAS BITTEN BY A SHARK AT FISH HOEK BEACH, BRAVE BYSTANDERS AND TEAMS OF RESCUE PROFESSIONALS WORKED QUICKLY TO ASSIST. IT WAS A LIFE-SAVING HOUR, EXPLAINS ANDREW INGRAM

t was a beautiful morning in Fish Hoek. A very light offshore wind was blowing, creating a slight ripple on the sea. The shallow water just behind the breaker-line was that picture-perfect translucent turquoise colour. For the previous four days, Fish Hoek beach had been closed for swimming by the Shark Spotters team, who had watched great white sharks moving in very close to shore. Sometimes these fascinating predators were seen within 30 metres of the beach. It was 09h10 on Wednesday 28 September 2011. Shark Spotter Ashley Sullivan, 22, had been at his post high on the mountain above Fish Hoek beach for just over an hour when he spotted the first great white of the day. The beach was closed again.

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Ashley has been with the Shark Spotters for three years and his ability to see the great whites is well honed. He watched this one closely. It was big. ‘About three-and-a-half or four metres,’ said Ashley. After a while it swam into deep water and Ashley lost track of it. ‘The second time he came in, he came in much closer. I think it was about 30 metres [from the beach]. ‘It was ten o’clock. Everyone saw him. He was swimming up and down at the river mouth for an hour or two. Then, when I checked again, I thought there was a piece of kelp next to him, so I looked with my binoculars. It was another shark. A smaller one, estimated at about two metres.’ ‘They stayed on the Clovelly side, circling there.’

GRAPHIC: CAPE ARGUS

PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREW INGRAM

1 4

PHOTOGRAPHS: CHAD CHAPMAN, ANDREW INGRAM

1 The ER24 Discovery medicopter arrives to transport Mr Cohen to hospital. 2 Darren Zimmermann, with Kim Yon and Heath Giloi – the first medics who arrived on scene. 3 Shark Spotter field manager Monwabisi Sikweyiya acted quickly to stem the blood from the shark-bite victim’s wound with a makeshift tourniquet, thus saving his life. 4 The green, black, red and white warning flags used to indicate shark activity in the water.

Ashley lowered his binoculars and, horrified, he saw a swimmer on the outside of the sharks. It was just after12h15. Michael Cohen, 43, was swimming on a collision course with a really large great white shark. Ashley grabbed his radio and started shouting for his colleagues on the beach to try and warn Mr Cohen of the grave danger he was in. Hearing the urgency in Ashley’s voice, the team on the beach was galvanised into action. One spotter started sprinting across the beach towards the unsuspecting swimmer, and Shark Spotter field manager Monwabisi Sikweyiya, who was driving past Clovelly corner, pulled over and also started to run. The shark swam slowly on the inside of Mr Cohen. Horrified, Ashley watched it turn and come up behind the swimmer. ‘I was counting down ... five metres ... four metres .... two metres ... one metre... There was nothing we could do for him.’ Hugh Till and Douglas Drysdale were whale watching from their car when they saw Mr Cohen swimming. They saw the shark approaching him, and also started running towards him. But, as Ashley knew, it was too late. Putting their own lives on the line, the two men rushed into the water, wading to shoulder height, until they could

grab hold of Mr Cohen, now floating on his back with blood pouring from the stump that remained of his right leg. Monwabisi, 32, joined the Shark Spotters programme at its inception in 2004. He had been a member of Monwabisi Life Saving Club and then a squad leader at Muizenberg Lifesavers. It was this experience, and more specifically, Monwa’s firstaid training, that without a doubt saved Michael Cohen’s life. As Hugh and Douglas dragged Mr Cohen out the water, Monwa took off his shirt and applied it to the severed limb. Monwa then took off his belt and, while raising the limb,used the belt as a tourniquet, stopping the flow of blood. Monwa had already called NSRI, and he knew that rescuers would be rushing to the scene. One of the first highly trained medics to arrive was Darren Zimmerman from Simon’s Town. Darren’s day job is operations manager for Cape Medical Response (CMR) and he joined two of his CMR colleagues on the beach in a desperate attempt to save Mr Cohen’s life. Kim Yon, Darren’s colleague, looked up. ‘I am so relieved to see you,’ she said to Darren, who is one of NSRI’s most experienced medics. ‘Arriving at the scene and finding that Mr Cohen was able to talk to us was mindblowing. But he was the colour of the sand.

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

AWARDS

Above left to right: Peter Bacon hands Geoff McGregor the Pat O’Sullivan Award for Best Station for Station 7 (East London); the winning station; Reinard Geldenhuys accepts the Operation Director’s Award for Most Improved Station for Station 30 (Agulhas)

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM, PHILLIP VENTER/PRO-VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

AND THE AWARD GOES TO... AT NSRI’S AGM EARLIER THIS YEAR, A NUMBER OF AWARDS WERE HANDED OUT TO DESERVING PEOPLE AND STATIONS. THIS YEAR, STATIONS 7 AND 30 (EAST LONDON AND AGULHAS) WALKED AWAY WITH TOP HONOURS FOR BEST STATION AND MOST IMPROVED STATION RESPECTIVELY. BY WENDY MARITZ

few months ago I had the opportunity to visit Station 30 in Struisbaai to interview Statcom Reinard Geldenhuys for Sea Rescue magazine. While I waited for him (he had been called out to attend to an urgent matter), I had the chance to chat to some of the crew and take a look around the station. Situated on the main drag in Struisbaai, the base building is perfectly placed for the crew to respond to an emergency. The quaint harbour is one short road away. It’s also central enough to be something of a landmark in the town. Talking to locals also revealed that the base and crew are something of an institution, which isn’t unusual in a small and obviously close community. My time with Reinard revealed a dedicated, humble and thorough person, who, while taking his job seriously, also seemed to be a natural leader and inspiration to the crew.

So, it didn’t come as a surprise to learn that the station was awarded the Operation Director’s Award for Most Improved Station at the award ceremony at the NSRI’s AGM. As retired operations director Allan Cramb explains, ‘Reinard injected a huge amount of enthusiasm into the station when he took over about eight months ago. He embraced his position, recruited new crew and developed a rapport with all the locals, among other things.’ The improvements at the station stood out, he adds. ‘Reinard even got the guys to get involved with the fundraising drives with collections at the traffic lights,’ he says. ‘He had no idea that his station would get the award,’ Allan continues, ‘but it was well deserved.’ Judging from the swift clean-up of the boats, and the hive of crew activity I saw as I left the building, I doubt anybody would disagree. The late Pat O’Sullivan, the first NSRI chairman to be elected when the institute was founded in 1967, lent his name to another award that honours stations and acknowledges their work. This year, the Pat O’Sullivan Award for the Best Station went to the East London base. The choice of which station to give this award to, Allan admits, is not always easy. ‘They’re all good,’ but Station 7 stood out for a number of reasons, ‘from the paperwork always being filed on time and getting materials donated for base building improvements to extensive crew training,’ he explains. ‘Statcom Geoff McGregor motives his crew and it shows in every aspect of the station. He has a way of coaxing the guys into action…’ Allan smiles. ‘He has a great eye for detail, all the station’s assets are looked after, and with the help of his crew, the community also gets involved with the station,’ he adds. Congratulations to the crew and station commanders of both Stations 7 and 30 for making their stations shine, for performing their volunteer duty, for their training and fundraising initiatives, and for caring for all aspects of Sea Rescue, both on and off the water. SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

SEARCH AND RESCUE

first signal, the MRCC received a call: the SA Agulhas was at Marion Island and would assist. All this time the EPIRB was being tracked so that the SA Agulhas could be guided straight to the yacht. If an EPIRB is properly maintained, registered and correctly used, it can take the search out of search and rescue. Because they are so easily tracked, they guide rescue teams to the exact location of the casualty.

“

PHOTOGRAPH: ADNREW INGRAM

WE GET AN AVERAGE OF 40 ACTIVATIONS PER MONTH, 38 OF WHICH ARE FALSE, SO WE NEED TO CHECK THE EPIRB DETAILS CAREFULLY So what exactly is an EPIRB? An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) signals maritime distress, and is an international satellite-based search-and-rescue system, which was established by Canada, France, the United States and Russia in 1979. EPIRBs are designed to transmit alerts to rescue-coordination centres via the satellite system from anywhere in the world. The original COSPAS/SARSAT system used polar-orbiting satellites. (Perhaps you have seen a satellite streaking overhead in the dark of night? It could well have been one of the low-orbiting COSPAS/SARSAT satellites.) But in recent years, the system has been expanded to also include four geostationary satellites. The newest EPIRB designs incorporate GPS technology that transmits highly accurate positions within about 20m of the distress position, whereas the original COSPAS/SARSAT satellites could only calculate EPIRB positions to within about 3 nautical miles (5.6km). And this could take a couple of hours to verify, as the first pass of the satellite would ‘see’ the signal, but give an inaccurate position. This would hopefully be resolved in the second pass (about 90 minutes later), but it may need a third pass ... and another 60 to 90 minutes would have to go by. When every second counts, this is a lot of time for rescue authorities to wait for an accurate position. This is where the four geostationary satellites and GPS technology come in. In seconds the rescue centre can know exactly who is in trouble and where – and a rescue can be set in motion. All of this depends, however, on the device being properly registered. And the information being accurate. Herein lies the rub. ‘We have a database of about 4 000 beacons registered in South Africa,’ says Jared. ‘There are an average of 40 activations a month, 38 of which are false. And it’s because of this that we need to check the details of the EPIRB very carefully.’

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN EPIRB IS ACTIVATED A search-and-rescue satellite picks up the signal and transmits it to a local user terminal (in South Africa this is Cape Town Radio). They in turn send the decoded information to a mission control centre (our MRCC), which checks the information. If it is a genuine distress signal, they task a regional coordination centre to take action (one of our Port Controls, for example). The regional coordination centre then dispatches the relevant rescue authorities (like NSRI).

When you buy an EPIRB, the first thing to consider is a hydrostatic release (when submerged, it is automatically released and activated) or a manual release beacon (which you need to physically activate). Sea Rescue uses both versions on its rescue boats, but as operations manager Mark Hughes explains,’Sea Rescue’s EPIRBs are mostly GPS-enabled. As old ones are replaced, we change them to the more accurate modern device.’ ‘If you are buying an EPIRB, be sure to talk to the service provider about which type will best suit your needs,’ says Mark. The thing to bear in mind is that all of this technology hangs on the correct registration, which is a two-part process. At purchase, the dealer will programme the EPIRB with what is called a MMSI number. This is effectively a number connected to the boat’s radio licence. (Just like you need a car licence and a driver’s licence, so too do you need a radio licence and a radio operator’s licence.) This MMSI number tells the authorities which ship or boat has activated their EPIRB and allows them to access the contact details, which form part two of the registration. On leaving the dealer with the EPIRB and a programming certificate, it is up to the owner to register the device with the MRCC. If this step is left out, the EPIRB is pretty close to useless as the signal cannot be verified as a real emergency. It is a simple form that includes details of the owner, a primary contact person and a secondary contact person as

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

Go golfing for Sea Rescue in 2012

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better excuse! If your Golf Club or Company is hosting a golf day in 2012, please consider the National SEA RESCUE Institute as your beneficiary. The NSRI is a free public service manned by 980 volunteers at 32 bases around the coast and on 3 inland dams. Donations, bequests and sponsorships cover the annual running costs of R25 million. NSRI is SARS 18A and BEE compliant so all donations afford tax and BEE benefits.

For more information please contact Alison Smith on 021 434-4011 or 082 992-1191 or e-mail alisons@searescue.org.za www.searescue.org.za

TALES FROM THE DECK

SWEET CAROLINE

STATION 5 (DURBAN) CREW SET OFF ON AN ADVENTURE TO DELIVER A MOTOR LAUNCH, AND ENCOUNTERED A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS ALONG THE WAY. TIMOTHY EDWARDS TELLS THE STORY

t was a typical Cape Town winter’s day – the sun was shining but there was a cold nip in the air. Fellow crewmen Brian St Clair-Laing, Daya Naicker from Station 5 (Durban) and I had just arrived to pilot a boat from Cape Town to Durban. Although the trip was in our private capacity, the knowledge that would be gained during the trip would be invaluable to our jobs as NSRI volunteers. We arrived at the V&A Waterfront on the Saturday afternoon to catch a first glimpse of the vessel: a Riviera 37 named Sweet Caroline – what an absolute beauty! We left the V&A Waterfront at 6am the next morning with the owner, Kim, and his sons, Richard and David. Travelling an average speed of 10 knots, we hoped to reach Mossel Bay by around 6am the following morning. Five hours into the trip things were going well. We had passed Kommetjie and were making our way towards Cape Point. The swell wasn’t large by normal Cape standards, but the boat was rolling quite a bit, and David was starting to look a bit green. During the next hour, he got progressively worse and ended up lying on the deck, half-conscious. We had to make a decision, so we headed for Hermanus, the nearest safe harbour,

20 SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

to drop David off. That was three hours away, though, so Brian decided to contact Henk at Station 17 (Hermanus), to see if he could meet us half-way. Two hours later and about 8nm from Hermanus, we met up with Hunters Gold Rescuer. Kim and Richard decided to join David and catch a lift back as well. Now that there were just three of us, we decided that we would each take two-hour shifts. One at the wheel, one in the co-pilot’s chair and one on break. The Riviera was fitted with an autopilot on her steering, so it was just a matter of making sure she was on the right course. Sitting at the wheel in the middle of the night, with no light from land, was quite a surreal experience. Suddenly I saw a flash of yellow out of the corner of my eye. Then it was gone. It looked like it had come from the dashboard, but I wasn’t sure. Once my shift at the wheel was over, I went below to make tea. Then I heard Brian call me. The yellow waterlevel warning light for the port motor was winking away steadily on the dashboard. The port engine was losing coolant! I quickly went down into the cramped engine room to investigate. The heat coming from the big Volvo Penta engines was stifling, but the cause was quickly located. A loose T-piece fitting on the front of the port engine was weeping coolant. The leak didn’t look

serious and nothing could be done until it had cooled off, so I topped up the engine with water and Brian kept watch. We arrived in Mossel Bay a little after 10am on Monday, the detour having cost us an extra four hours’ travelling time. At 4am the next morning, we headed for Port Elizabeth. All went well but, when we arrived, we had to tie up next to a fleet of chokka boats, as a proper mooring wasn’t available. That night we popped into Station 6 (PE) during the crew meeting to say hello, swap war stories and to take a quick tour of the base. We left PE on Friday morning, and thanks to a following swell, we made good progress towards East London. The following morning we visited Station 7 (East London), and were invited to a family get-together and braai the next day. We had a lovely time, chatting to the crew and sharing stories.

“

EVERYTHING WAS ALL RIGHT. THEN IT HAPPENED... BANG! THE VIBRATION RATTLED THROUGH THE ENTIRE BOAT

Monday 12 September brought the final stretch and the taste of home. At four in the morning we slipped our moorings for the last time and started the long 26-hour slog towards Durban. We left East London the same way we came in: under cover of darkness. But before we lost sight of the city, we were rewarded with an amazing sight of the moon setting just as the sun was starting to rise. Our spirits rose as we edged towards home. Midnight came around and I slid behind the wheel. Even though we had been going for 20 hours, I was wide awake, excited to get home. We started to move through Protea Banks, and plotted a course that would keep us away from the shallow reefs but also not too close to the 200m contour. Any further away and we would be fighting the notorious Agulhas current. I checked our depth on the echo sounder – 58m. More than deep enough. I checked our progress on the electronic chart and cast a glance over the instruments and gauges. Everything was all right. Then it happened… Bang! The vibration rattled through the entire boat. I saw that the rev counters had dropped right down and immediately pulled the throttles back. My first thought was that we had lost a motor. Brian had woken up with a start and was back at the helm. I went straight down to the engine room to see if anything was amiss, but everything looked fine. I joined Brian on the bridge and gingerly he slipped the throttles back in drive. Straight away the boat picked up a vibration again. He pulled the throttles back into neutral. At this point I had a suspicion of what it was. I grabbed my torch and peered over the transom. The mass of netting that we had snagged was plain to see. My heart sank. Brian ordered the sea anchor deployed, and grabbed it from the storage hatch and went to the bow of the

Main photograph: Station 20’s Caltex Endeavour tows Sweet Caroline after her propeller was fouled by netting and rope Top: Timothy Edwards and Daya Naicker on board Sweet Caroline before setting off for Durban Above: The culprit – 80kg of rope and netting

boat. I slowly fed the drogue out and tied it off. I went back to the bridge to discuss a plan of action. I saw from the GPS that we were still drifting at a rate of 3 knots – back in the direction we had come. We were caught in the Agulhas current, which was so strong it simply pushed the sea anchor towards the stern of the boat. We decided to drop anchor and hoped it would bite. After scraping along the bottom, it did. We were safe for now, but still in a predicament. Brian decided there was nothing to do except call Station 20 (Shelly Beach). It was a little before 1am. About 45 minutes later we saw the outline of Caltex Endeavour approaching. Within minutes, two crew members had joined us on the boat. A plan was made to see if the netting could be cut off the props by freediving. The swell had dropped considerably so it was worth a shot. With knife and torch in hand, one of the crew went under. After five minutes of trying, we hauled him back onto the boat. It was no use. The netting was far worse than we had thought, and scuba gear would be needed if any progress was to be made. Caltex Challenger was sent to rendezvous with a crewman who had scuba gear.

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

REAL-LIFE RESCUE

THE RIGHT PLACE

AT THE RIGHT TIME AFTER JADE JACKSON, CAITLIN MONGIE AND MICHAELA BREDEKAMP COMPLETED THEIR FIRSTAID COURSE, THEY HAD NO IDEA HOW SOON THEY WOULD NEED TO USE THE VALUABLE SKILLS THEY HAD LEARNED PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREW INGRAM

From left to right: Young heroes Jade, Caitlin and Michaela

hree Christian Brother College (CBC) St Johns Parklands students were invited at the last minute to fill empty seats in a Level Three First Aid training course presented at NSRI Melkbosstrand recently. They completed the full Sea Rescue course, which consisted of three sessions a week for three weeks. On the final day, which was a Saturday, they sat for the rigorous three-hour theory examination and a comprehensive practical test. When it was all over, Jade Jackson,16, Caitlin Mongie,17, and Michaela Bredekamp,17, piled into Caitlin’s mother’s car. The girls were relieved that the exam was finished and compared notes. They were the most worried about the spinalimmobilisation section ... and chatted about it as they drove from Melkbos, up to the intersection with the R27, a notoriously dangerous crossing. As fate would have it, they arrived at the intersection minutes after a serious collision had taken place between two cars. There was no hesitation. Caitlin’s mother pulled over and the girls’ training kicked in. One car had crashed into the other’s passenger door, injuring the driver, who by the time the girls got there had been taken out the vehicle by well-meaning bystanders. Michaela went straight for C-spine immobilisation, making sure that the injured woman’s neck did not move. Caitlin started tending her wounds and Jade took on the role of reassuring the patient. All the while they had to ask the bystanders to move back and give them room to work, and when a well-meaning person brought a drink for the woman, they quickly explained that she should not drink anything. ‘The paramedics were especially nice,’ said Caitlin afterwards. ‘They let us help them strap her onto the trauma board, and gave us new gloves,’ she added. ‘It was quite amazing. The police were very quick. Then the fire brigade arrived and an ambulance soon after that. The entire scene was secured in under 15 minutes,’ said Jade. ‘It was amazing how our training kicked in,’ laughs Michaela. ‘We were really hyper afterwards. It must have been all the adrenaline!’ SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

BULLETIN BOARD

IN THE NEWS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Daniel’s wife Marlene with William and little Thomas

If you would like to bless your local rescue base this festive season, here are some gift ideas for some of the luxury items that make life a little easier for the crew: 3 high-pressure hoses: Karcher or a similar brand 3 gazebos: for use at shows and fêtes (a sturdy gazebo that can take wind is best, and navy blue would be preferable) 3 pelican cases: these ensure medical kits stay dry at sea 3 towels: these are mainly for casualties, as crew use their own 3 sea bags: Reef dive bags or a similar brand 3 wetsuit shampoo: specially designed shampoo for wetsuit fabric, available from Reef 3 long-life energy bars: to keep on the boat for long call-outs. Most of our crew also host an annual braai or dance at this time of year, where they can socialise with their partners and also hand out awards to the crew. We do not use donations to pay for social events, so the crew pay out of their own pockets. Should you so wish, you can dedicate your donation specifically towards this evening at your local rescue base, and if you do, please earmark it as such.

Volunteers David Knott, Chantelle Ebanks and Andrew Hirsh with the torches that were donated to Station 2 (Bakoven) by Camps Bay resident Peter Visser. Perhaps you too can help your local station – please turn to the back of the magazine to see the list of needs.

WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

Just before summer we always encourage parents and caregivers to attend a basic first-aid course. Perhaps this tribute will be the motivation you need: ‘I would like to formally thank the NSRI for the training I have received over the past 10 years. I always thought I was giving to Sea Rescue, but I see they have given me far more. Last night my son, Thomas, vomited so badly that his nasal passages, throat and lungs became blocked. Everything I had learned just kicked in and I got half an airway open and bolted for Greenacres where they suctioned his nose, throat and lungs. Chest X-rays showed all clear and he had the best night’s sleep ever – not Mom and Dad, though! Daniel Heimann, Station 6 (Port Elizabeth)

NSRI’S HEAD OFFICE IS FUNDED THROUGH OUR FAITHFUL PLATINUM SPONSORS. ALL OTHER DONATIONS CAN THEREFORE BE SET ASIDE FOR RESCUE WORK.

PLATINUM PARTNERSHIPS

GOLD PARTNERSHIPS • AMOIL (PTY) LTD • COMPASS BAKERY• DE BEERS MARINE • FREDDY HIRSCH GROUP • LUSITANIA MARKETING SERVICES • MACS MARITIME SHIPPING • MARINE PRODUCTS • NETCARE HOSPITALS • PANARGO SHIPPING • SAPPI • SVITZER-WIJSMULLER • TMS SOUTH AFRICA LTD • VIKING FISHING LTD

24 SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

PHOTOGRAPH: ARNO CLOETE

Kobus Terblanche, Rouaan Steinmann, Tim Hayward and Edward Strydom of the Cummins four-ball Duane Vermeulen and Rynhardt Elstadt

Thanks to the generosity of Louis Harris of the Mossel Bay Point Hotel and Dror Zur of Stars Sports Pub and Restaurant, Station 15 (Mossel Bay) is now the proud owner of a floating stretcher.

CLIP CLOP WITH THE TIDES IN 2012 NSRI stations have been using the Southern Tides calendar as a handy quick reference and planning tool. Clip Clop’s wavy chart lets you scan the state of the tide at a glance. High tides are read off the crests and lows at the troughs. Cape Town and Durban’s timings shadow each other through the year as tide times in southern Africa seldom vary by as much as half an hour. The Southern Tides 2012 calendar can be ordered from www.clipclop.co.za for R70 (including postage). Five lucky readers will receive a copy of Southern Tides 2012 free of charge. To enter, send in the time of the first high tide of 2012 to info@clipclop.co.za. Terms and conditions: 1. The draw is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. The competition closes on 29 February 2012. 3. The winners will be selected from all correct entries by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winners’ names will be printed in the Autumn 2012 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this draw, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition. 6. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash. 7. The judges’ decision is final.

The Cape Town golf day was hosted at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate in Melkbosstrand, and the Nedbank Capital four-ball took the trophy. Thanks to all the sponsors and players; we raised in excess of R60 000 after costs.

EPIRB DONATIONS When Andrew Ramsay of Global Marine Systems (GMS) heard we were doing a public education drive about EPIRBs, he immediately asked how they could get involved and help. Not content with just educating its client base, GMS also donated a brand-new SafeSea E100 from Ocean Signal. The new EPIRB will be fitted to Port Alfred’s new 8.5m rigid inflatable. NSRI operations manager Mark Hughes (left) receives the E100 from Andrew Ramsay at GMS head office in Milnerton

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

EVENTS

Visit www.nsri.org.za for more info on all our events

3 KNYSNA GOLF DAY

When: 26 November 2011 Where: Pezula Champion Golf Course Cost: R450 per player (four-ball alliance, two scores count) For bookings: Tracy Brink, tel 082 922 6775

3 EAST LONDON OPEN DAY

When: 4 December 2011 Where: Station 7 (East London) base, starts at 9am Details: Station 7 invites all supporters to visit the base, meet the crew and watch rescue demonstrations. Cool drinks and boerewors rolls willl be sold.

Brynn Gericke and Werner Smit of NSRI with Veronique Lamont and Rodney Cheek of Voigt Shipping

ISLAND VIEW SHIPPING – A GREAT SUPPORT Station 19 (Richards Bay) would like to thank Island View Shipping which raised R65 000 at its recent golf day. The event is organised by Rodney Cheek and Veronique Lamont from Voigt Shipping and is well supported by the shipping fraternity. Over the past six years an impressive R360 000 has been raised at this annual event.

3 STILL BAY RUN

When: 31 December 2011 What: NSRI 10km run open to runners, joggers and walkers Where: Entries open at 6am, race starts at 7am from Station 31 (Still Bay) at the Still Bay harbour (GPS co-ordinates: 340 23’09.55’’S; 210 25’30.65’’E). Cost: R30 donation Prizes: A variety of prizes and medals.

Station 5 (Durban) crew Genevieve Erasmus, Jessica Escobar and Carla Basson with the team from Svitzer

DURBAN GOLF DAY A WONDERFUL SUCCESS

Glynis Pulford did an excellent job of organising the golf day at the Royal Durban Golf Course on 2 September. Special thanks to Captain Mike Riddel from Svitzer in Cape Town, who flew up to be there on the day and John Patlansky of Island View Shipping who once again sponsored shirts for all the golfers.

26 SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

PHOTOGRAPH: CLIFFORD IRELAND

3 MOSSEL BAY RUN

When: 2 January 2012 What: 10km beach run, 5km fun run and 8km surfski race Where: Registration from 7am, starts at 4pm at Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay Details: Participants compete against the time they predict on their entry forms, and the winners are those whose times are the closest. Participants are not allowed to wear a watch. Prizes: Prizes worth R10 000 are up for grabs. Sponsored by New Balance and Tekkie Town.

3 PLETT RUN

Offthehook Runner Challenge in aid of NSRI When: 3 January 2012 What: 12km coastal run Where: Starts at 8am from The Waves in Keurbooms and finishes at Offthehook Seafood Café in Plettenberg Bay. Cost: The entry fee is R150 and includes a burger and beer, as well as a donation to NSRI.  For more information: Wayne Craig, tel (044) 533-0796

Above: Preparing to hit the town for the collection are (back left to right) Dawie Bezuidenhout, Mark Duppa-Whyte, Jacques O’Connell, Dewald Holtzhausen, Sean Lunnon, and (front left to right) Jean-Auke van Rooyen, Gareth de Vry, Jacobus Kruger, Patrick Brown and Damiano Hand Below: (left) A well-placed toll near to one of PE’s main traffic lights, (right) Warwick Haywood was the top collector Bottom: (left to right) Sean Lunnon gets his war paint, making sure no-one miss the signage, Eric Gildenhuys mans a traffic light where R11 500 was raised, Jacobus Kruger braves the island in one of PE’s busiest streets

Most people who join NSRI will say, ‘I’ll do anything but please don’t ask me to shake a tin on a street corner.’ Well, the crew from Station 6 (Port Elizabeth) are not scared of a challenge and turned what some might perceive as a fuddy-duddy task into quite an adventure. Each year crew members dress up and hit the streets. This year they raised a whopping R46 125, quite an improvement on last year’s R37 314.

PHOTOGRAPHS: MARCUS OSHRY

SHAKE IT FOR THE MONEY

BULLETIN BOARD

PHOTOGRAPHS: UNLIMITED EVENTS

MASKED BALL RAISES FUNDS FOR SEA RESCUE

On Saturday 3 September 2011 Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club (GBYC) hosted a masked ball and raised R25 360 for Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay). The guest of honour was 93-year-old Mrs Irene Riley, who was accompanied by Station 9 coxswain Brian Kingston. Guests were greeted by the Commodore of the GBYC, Paul Tanner, and Master of Ceremonies Ralph Panebianco. Erik Reeder from Erik Reeder Auctioneers auctioned off masks, original paintings and some of the crew, raising over R16 000. The impressive three-course meal was prepared by Peter Robertson, head chef from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and served by his team of professional waiters. Thank you to all who made this special event possible.

Clockwise from top left: Lampier, Mel Laverack, Nikkie Laverack, Jeroen, Franceska Veldman, Andre van Zyl; Loan and Paul Tanner; Jeanette and Richard Loring; Mrs Irene Riley and Brian Kingston of Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay)

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

MEDICAL FOCUS

PREVENTION ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF GUARDING AGAINST HEPATITIS B

most important.) Immunization involves getting three injections one month apart. Treatment is mostly supportive. Is it significant in any way to the sea-going fraternity? It is significant for rescue personnel, who may come in contact with infected patients, but it’s a good idea for everyone to be immunized against hepatitis B. Is it standard procedure to vaccinate against hepatitis B? Or would this only be done for high-risk people (like first aid or rescue workers) or in the event of epidemics? It’s a good idea for everyone to be immunized against hepatitis B. Have there been epidemics in South Africa recently? Hepatitis A outbreaks occur every now and again. Prevention is by normal hand-washing and good hygiene. What is hepatitis and how is it transmitted? Hepatitis is an infection of the liver by viruses, usually hepatitis A or B viruses. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted by carriers who don’t wash their hands after visiting the bathroom and who then contaminate food. People who eat the contaminated food get infected and may or may not get sick. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted by injection into the blood, and may also be sexually transmitted.

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

What are the main symptoms? Both viruses cause inflammation of the liver and abnormal liver function. The patient feels unwell and then develops jaundice (the skin and eyes become yellow), which progresses to liver failure and severe illness. It may even result in death if the patient is unlucky or vulnerable. Could hepatitis clear up on its own, or should it always be treated? The illness can vary in severity and in the short term could cause death through liver failure. In the longer term, hepatitis B can be associated with liver cancer. What types of treatment are preferred? Prevention is better than cure. Vaccines are available to prevent both types of hepatitis. (Preventing hepatitis B is the

Are children more susceptible? Children are more vulnerable and early immunization is recommended. It’s important that hygiene at crèches and schools be of a high standard. SR We thank Dr Cleeve Robertson and the Department of Health: Western Cape for donating free hepatitis vaccinations for crew members of the Western Cape bases.

DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON is the Director of Emergency Medical Services, Western Cape, and voluntary Chief Medical Advisor to the NSRI. Apart from being passionate about caring for people, Dr Robertson loves mountain climbing and scuba-diving. He’s also involved in underwater photography and skipper training.

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

IN MEMORIAM

FAREWELL RAY, WE WILL MISS YOU WE PAY TRIBUTE TO RAY FARNHAM, PLETTENBERG BAY STATCOM, MENTOR AND FRIEND

up. Not in a rescue situation, nor did he just give up his fight against his illness. He was in and out of hospital for the last five years and running the station from his hospital bed. Even when he was supposed to be looking after his own health, he was there to the end, saving other people’s lives and touching the hearts of many more. But that is the way he was, a very unselfish man. You would never hear him complaining, and he was always willing to listen to and help others. He will not just be missed by his family and friends and us at the station and Sea Rescue in general, but also by the whole community of Plettenberg Bay, as he played a major role in other disasters and incidents in the area. From floods and

PHOTOGRAPHS: STUART BRINK

Deon Truter spoke on behalf of the station and crew at the memorial service for Ray on 3 September 2011. ‘Ray was my boss, my mentor and my friend. But if I look around me, he was not just mine. He had a special way of touching everybody’s hearts. He was a great man and one of a kind. I’m fortunate to have known Ray for 28 years and served with him for the last 23 at Sea Rescue. For the last 10 years he was our station commander, and he turned it into the top station it is today. Everybody knew and admired Ray for his leadership, compassion, experience, dedication and his love for Sea Rescue. What stood out about Ray was that he would never give

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Above left: The Plettenberg Bay ASR team (back, left to right): Ryan Jucker, Brad Thomas, Bruce Noble, Ray Farnham, Deon Truter, Stuart Brink, Marc Rodgers and Robbie Gibson; (front) Matthew Spurrier, Jaco Kruger and Graeme Watson Middle: Ray with his partner, Colleen Lawrenson Right: Ray and his daughter, Tanya Woodcock

major car accidents to missing people ... and the list continues. From the station, we would like to give our support to Denise, Tanya, Ray Jr, and his brothers and sisters. We will always be there for you. And to Colleen, we thank you for being there for Ray. You helped him to fight his battle and stood by him. You are part of our station and our doors will always be open for you. To the crew, guys, you have all been amazing and stood together as always. We have lost our ‘boss’, and he has left us with a huge pair of shoes to fill, but we will lift our heads and we will keep his flame burning and continue to do what he stood for. Ray, our boss, our friend and a great man, rest in peace.’ Tribute letters were received in memory of Ray, and they speak volumes about this extraordinary man. ‘A DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL’ On behalf of Transnet National Ports Authority, kindly pass on my sincere condolences to Ray’s family and members of the station in Plettenberg Bay. It was an absolute pleasure working with such a professional and dedicated individual. Brynn Adamson ‘BRAVE AND EXCEPTIONAL’ I was deeply saddened to hear that Ray had passed away after his long battle with leukemia. His positive attitude towards overcoming such a debilitating illness made a deep impression on me, and I am sure he will be an inspiration to those of us who often take for granted what we have, including our good health. The Board of Sea Rescue joins me in extending our condolences to Ray’s family and friends at this sad time; our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray’s commitment to the work of the National Sea Rescue Institute, across the organisation as a whole, is something for which he will be remembered. He set very high standards for himself and his crew, and was a true professional in the way he executed his operations. He demonstrated the same bravery in confronting his illness that he demonstrated over

the years as a Sea Rescue volunteer. He was a truly exceptional individual who leaves behind a legacy of selfless commitment to the work of this great organisation, and he will be greatly missed by the Sea Rescue family. Rest in peace, Ray. Peter Bacon, Chairman, NSRI ‘ENERGETIC, SELFLESS AND COMMITTED’ It is with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Ray Farnham. I had the opportunity to meet with him only on a few occasions, and was taken by his energy, selflessness and total commitment to the NSRI and the community that it serves. We at Italtile owe a debt of gratitude for the tireless work and support received during and after our tragic aircraft accident, and his invaluable assistance as we now attempt to salvage the remaining wreckage from the sea bed. The world has lost one of its truly great people; he will be sorely missed. Peter Swatton, CC Italtile Ltd ‘COMPASSIONATE’ I spoke to Ray only last week. I noticed that he was not the spokeperson for the NSRI after the shark attack in Plettenberg Bay and Sandra urged me to phone him. He mentioned that he was quite ill and had just been discharged after a five-week stay in hospital. Even then he was positive that he was going to recover, even though he lost a massive amount of weight. I could never have known it would be my last conversation with him. He was an amazing man with so much compassion for other people. To him we could have been only stangers that he helped in the call of duty but he chose to get emotionally involved, and really cared for us and comforted us. Helping other people was not what he did, it was his way of living! When we were all gathered around Sandra on the rocks where she fell, it was Ray who went to my youngest daughter and hugged her. It meant so much to us and her! Please pass this on to his family, with our deepest condolences. Johan and Sandra Malan SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

LIFE BOAT CIRCLE

A REASON TO

CELEBRATE WE HAND THE MIC OVER TO OUR SUPPORTERS WHO ATTENDED LIFE BOAT CIRCLE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

A REVEREND APPROACH

The invitation promised a bumper function – a caberet show and luncheon. The NSRI selected the 5-Star Southern Sun Hotel at the Waterfront for its 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Life boat Circle. The very magnanimous general manager of the Hotel, Jeff Rosenberg, sponsored the event and his staff pulled out all the stops for that buffet luncheon. I stopped counting the puddings after I reached 15. We started off in a function room. I didn’t see a stage, instruments or musicians. I began to wonder about the promised cabaret show. A gentleman was testing the sound and hovered around a box. His name was Erez, an entertainer of repute. He explained that he was the cabaret show and that his band was in that box. Seinfeld has got nothing on that fellow. He told us that he met our CEO, Ian Wienburg, 27 years ago on the cruise ship Astor, where he was then the entertainer. Erez danced and sang, and after a while our bequest officer, Bruce Sanderson, joined him and the two really got us fired up. The ‘band in the box’ played old-time sing-along tunes which we could join in karaoke style. You would never think that Bruce is a former school principal. But his acting and singing talent showed. Erez wanted us to believe the two of them had practised for the show for three months... Naah! Then on to the restaurant to face that enormous buffet lunch and the vino, both worth queuing for. I had tanked up on fruit juice just in case. Being a member of ‘the cloth’, I often get asked to do my professional ‘smells and bells’ thing and say grace. It’s for that reason that I do not imbibe, otherwise I might say ‘Prost’ instead of ‘Amen’. Part of the celebration was to acknowledge volunteers, old and new, and thank them for their service to the NSRI in saving lives on South African waters. Representatives of the various NSRI regions were on hand to present the Life boat Circle bequestor certificates to old and new bequestors. What caught my attention was the fact that supporters of

32 SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

NSRI are often ‘generational’, meaning that children carry on leaving a legacy to the organisation as their parents, grandparents and even their siblings did. It’s that type of volunteerism that an NGO like the National Sea Rescue Institute needs to fulfill its call of ‘people caring about people’, being saviours on the sea. Reverend Herbert Syre, Justice of the Peace

MORE THANKS FROM OUR SUPPORTERS

Louise and I would firstly like to thank Margaret and all the Cape Town staff for a superb lunch, plus entertainment. Secondly, I would like to congratulate all for the highly efficient manner in which the proceedings were organised and run. Roger and Louise Taper Once again I must thank you so much for a wonderful day, not to mention the entertainment and food. Please convey my appreciation to all concerned. I couldn’t believe my luck at winning a breakfast at the hotel, and am so looking forward to it and to spoiling friends. Many thanks for the dedication and constant hard work. Vicki MacKenzie Our role is to visit our supporters for tea in their homes or to join you at your social club as a guest speaker. Sea Rescue is all about stories and everyone enjoys a tale of high adventure or a heart-warming story of a life being saved. If you belong to a gardening club, a Probus club or a book club, feel free to call us; we’d love to come and tell a few real-life stories. SR OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Erez gets up close and personal; Bruce Sanderson, Rhona Manack, Pat Perryman, Debbie Olivier and Margaret McCulloch; Dancing the afternoon away; Roger and Louise Taper receive their bequestor certificate from Ian Wienburg; Rev Herbert Syre receives his bequestor certificate; Vicky McKenzie gets a prize from Jeff Rosenberg; Donald and Mary Craig receive their certificate; Ian Wienburg distributes the desserts

THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS RECEIVED SPECIAL OCCASIONS • Hein Schipper (100th birthday) • Mr and Mrs Monty Milwidsky (Wedding anniversary) • Cecil Golding (90th birthday) • M McQueen (80th birthday) • Ethel Pfister (80th birthday) • Robin Price (70th birthday • Mr and Mrs S Waddell (60th birthday) • Errol Preston (60th birthday) • Steven Chapman (50th birthday) • Michael Goondy Draper (50th birthday) • Dr Dirk Van Zijl and Dr Kathleen Ross (40th birthday) IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES • Keith Anderson • Dr D de G Villet • J Dickie • Joan Isabel Harris • John Drummond • Angus McQueen • Edwin Scholtz • Peter Taylor • Geoff Winton • Edward Stuart Anderson • Anne Gay Scott • Hedwig Henriette Eleonore Hieke (née Held) • Mark Koen

Life boat Circle is a society for retired persons. For more information, contact Margaret McCulloch on 082 990 5976 or email margaretm@searescue.org.za

WATERWISE

ALL OF OUR

FUTURE O

n 9 August 2011, a group of youngsters, accompanied by an adult, made their way to Michells Pass in the Ceres area for an afternoon hike. The group found themselves on the wrong side of a river near the popular swimming area known as Koffiegat. They had to make their way across slippery stones to the other side, and as one of the youngsters, 11-year-old Bradley de Leeuw, was negotiating his way, he slipped into the water, where the strong current pulled him away. A search for the child was initiated straight away, but it was only a day later that he was found, trapped between rocks. Rescue workers had to pile sandbags in the river to stem the tide so that they could search effectively and recover his body. NSRI’s WaterWise educator, Eoudia Erasmus, still gets shivers when she hears the word ‘Koffiegat’. ‘I was meant to conduct an outdoor WaterWise workshop at his school [Morrisdale Primary], but I had to postpone for a week because it was raining. The incident occurred in that week. I know that WaterWise has made a huge difference in the lives of many children, I am just so sorry he wasn’t one of them,’ she says. Listening to Eoudia, one realises that each child that she comes into contact with is special, and it’s no wonder an accident like this one would touch her deeply. The irony, of course, is that the children were ‘just taking a walk’, but it

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reminds us all once again that any activities on or near water come with some measure of danger. And it’s the awareness of this danger and what to do in an emergency that forms the core of the WaterWise message. For Eoudia, who has been involved in giving WaterWise workshops for the past four years in the Ceres area, it’s about empowering the children. ‘It’s important that they understand the value and importance of the water-safety message, but equally important that they realise they each have talents as well as a responsibility to their peers,’ she explains. ‘For me, there is nothing better than being able to share my knowledge with the children, so that they can react responsibly and will know what to do in an emergency.’ It’s not uncommon for Eoudia to visit the same school twice, and it’s then that she will hear the stories of just how responsible her eager learners have been. Stories where they’ve remembered what they have learnt, and have helped to save a friend by holding out a branch for them to grab onto so they could be pulled out of the water. She says that often she will be the person they relate the stories to rather than a teacher or a parent. ‘Unfortunately, most of the time, the adults don’t even know the kids have gone swimming in the dams or rivers in the first place,’ she explains. ‘But it’s impossible to tell kids not to go swimming. They

PHOTOGRAPHS: BRENTON GEACH/CAPE ARGUS, ANDREW INGRAM

SINCE THE NSRI’S WATERWISE INITIATIVE WAS LAUNCHED FOUR YEARS AGO, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN HAVE BEEN TAUGHT VALUABLE WATER-SAFETY AND LIFE-SAVING SKILLS. WE MEET THE TEAM OF WATERWISE EDUCATORS THAT IS MAKING IT HAPPEN. BY WENDY MARITZ

NSRI marketing manager Andrew Ingram says WaterWise is aiming to reach a target of 50 000 learners by the end of 2011. Here are the people who are making it happen.

Above: Eoudia Erasmus demonstrates the new CPR protocols, which are now ‘hands only’, as breaths are no longer required

love the water. So, instead we teach them to be aware of their surroundings and what to do in an emergency.’ Eoudia explains that the basis of her workshops hasn’t really changed over the years; she just adapts them depending on the learners and the venue. The rules are the same, she smiles. What has made things easier is that the American Heart Association has changed the protocols on CPR. They have been greatly simplified to involve just chest compressions. The ‘hands-only’ CPR makes it much more accessible to the layman, and especially children, to help save a life. ‘Not everyone walks around with a mouthpiece in their pocket,’ she says. For Eoudia, the water-safety message is simple, and she emphasises this at each workshop. These are the basics: • Never swim alone. • Make sure there is adult supervision. • Don’t push anyone into the water. • Don’t jump or dive if you can’t see how deep the water is. • Don’t ever put yourself at risk, even if it is to try to save someone else. • Call the emergency number 112 from a cellphone, or ask someone else to dial it. • If a person is in the water, throw a rope with something that floats attached to it (a 2-litre cool-drink bottle works well), or find a long branch that can be held out to the person in trouble. • Don’t swim in regular clothes like jeans and shoes. Eoudia loves children and teaching, and each time she is able to stand up in front of learners to teach them water safety is a highlight for her. The children are little sponges, she says, who sit attentively with wide eyes just waiting to suck up new information. ‘It’s such a wonderful privilege to be able to run the workshops in the platteland,’ she smiles. Judging from the passion and compassion with which Eoudia tackles her job, it’s not surprising that she’s reached 48 260 learners so far, and it looks like she’s not planning to stop any time soon. As the Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health reminds us, ‘Children are one third of our population and all of our future.’ SR

The enthusiasm Charles McHelm displays is infectious. He’s been conducting WaterWise workshops in primary schools in the Cape Town area for nearly four years. Charles has spent most of his life in and around water, starting off as nipper and then lifesaver for SA Lifesaving in Strandfontein. He also worked as a lifesaver at the Sea Point swimming pool. Now, conducting WaterWise workshops fills his day and his heart. He loves the children’s enthusiasm and hearing the stories of how they’ve helped their friends in emergency situations. Fortune Sibiya is a relative newbie to the WaterWise circle, but in the year that she’s been teaching learners at township schools in the Pretoria area, she has grown to love it. ‘Being a WaterWise educator humbles me. I love what I do and go home with a smile on my face knowing I have taught children valuable life-saving skills.’ Fortune has another reason to smile. She has a daughter, born on 31 August, but will be returning to her learners once her maternity leave is over. Lwazi Fihlela joined WaterWise at the same time as Fortune, and has clocked an impressive number of visits to schools in the rural villages of KwaZulu-Natal. Lwazi uses a novel way of starting his workshops. ‘Ajika Jive is a dance game I use to get the children’s attention,’ he explains. Lwazi attended a national WaterWise meeting in Cape Town earlier this year. ‘Meeting NSRI management and fellow educators was a highlight,’ he says, smiling. The Eastern Cape has been fortunate to have Marcus Oshry on board as a WaterWise educator for nearly three years. ‘I love educating children in ocean and water safety.’ Marcus adds that children need the most basic education about the sea. When he once asked a group where they thought waves came from, they replied they were caused by whales splashing in the sea. Marcus focuses his attention on schools, clubs and societies in Port Elizabeth and its surrounding areas, and has taught more than 12 000 learners.

SCHOOL’S OUT

GEORGINA JONES TELLS US MORE ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR SHOWS ON EARTH

t can’t be much fun being a sardine. Harried, hunted, constantly on the move, continually seeking safety in company, but also needing to get enough oxygenated water to breathe, ever hungry, ever driven. These small fish are cold-water animals, happiest in waters with a temperature of below 20ºC. Around the South African coast, they are known from the West Coast, off the south coast and, in winter, all the way up to Durban. Famously, they follow the cold water and their ancient instincts to rush past the Wild Coast some time between May and August each year. This is the Sardine Run. It’s been memorably described as the greatest shoal on earth. Uncountable numbers of sardines in a slick that can be 15km long, 3km wide and 40m deep, storm past the coast. The shoal in some places can be so dense and the fish are swimming so fast that fish in the middle die from a lack of oxygen. The fish on the outskirts don’t do that well either, because many predators are attracted to this annual phenomenon and thousands of hungry jaws lie in wait for them. During the rest of the year, the Agulhas current sweeps, quite close inshore, southward down the east coast. In the winter months, it moves offshore, allowing cold plankton-rich water to flow up the coast. It has long been thought that the sardines follow this cold water, primarily for feeding purposes, but recent research suggests otherwise. It seems that there is a genetically distinct subpopulation of sardines that prefers to spawn off the east coast. They are constrained from moving up the east coast for the rest of the year and so it is only during

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the winter months, with inshore cold water, that they are able to spawn in what may be their ancient spawning grounds. Sardines around South Africa are scientifically known as Sardinops sagax, and the species is also found off Chile and California. They grow to about 30cm in total length, and are silver and blue with up to 15 black spots along their sides. Their flesh is oily and much sought after by predators, from dolphins to sharks, whales, humans and diving birds. Witnessing the Sardine Run is to see one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth. Most people who do this start at Port St Johns. Rubber ducks venture out past its aloe-clad jaws, braving the rolling Indian Ocean breakers, and all eyes are immediately on the alert for diving birds. These are Cape gannets, Morus capensis, beautiful birds with snowy plumage, black-edged wings and yellow heads with dramatic black lining around their cold blue eyes. They weigh about 3kg and have wingspans of about 1.8m. The biggest colony of gannets lives at Malgas Island and tens of thousands of these birds follow the sardines up the coast. They circle constantly, searching for sardines. They can stay underwater for about 40 seconds, although an average dive will take less than 20 seconds. During this time they can catch up to three fish. They circle in the air above the sardines, choosing their fish, then fold their wings and dive, hitting the water at speeds in excess of 40km/h. The force of their dive takes them 10m underwater, but they can swim a further 10m down in search of their prey. Some

THE BIG BLUE

off from the ball they have created, tails flicking, and then they rush in concert towards the sardines, grabbing mouthfuls of fish as they go. Their rushes drive the sardines up towards the surface, which is when the gannets begin their dives. The water becomes filled with fast-moving bodies, the flickering silver bullets of the sardines, gannets trailing vapour from the speed of their dives and the graceful torpedoes of hunting dolphins.

“

IMAGES: GETTYIMAGES.COM

SEEN FROM THE AIR, THE THICK BLACK SLICK OF THE SARDINES DEVELOPS HOLES, KNOWN BY SOME AS SHARK DOUGHNUTS

gannets even try to steal fish from other birds underwater, causing short subsurface skirmishes to break out. They then float up to the surface again. Here they emerge with a Nadia Comaneci-style flourish, whether they have caught a fish or not, flick their wings and take off to resume their relentless circling. The gannets depend on the dolphins for their catch. These may be bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus) or common dolphins (Delphinus capensis), and like the gannets, they mass off the east coast to feast on the sardines. Unlike the gannets, the dolphins come in from the open ocean and wait for the sardines to arrive, passing the time until the main event in normal dolphin pursuits, such as wave riding and catching other passing schooling fish such as redeyes (Etrumeus whiteheadi). The sardines move up the coast in uneven clumps. Pilot shoals, which arrive before the main event, tend to be completely eaten. Dolphins, working together, will herd the sardines into a bait ball. They do this with fast tail flicks and there is some evidence they may also use bubble netting, which keeps the sardines on one side of the bubbles, trapping them in a ball. At some mysterious signal, the dolphins back

It’s a bonanza that only becomes more impressive when the main shoal arrives. Bait balls can be so big that they last for a whole day despite heavy predation. But that’s not all. Game fish like sailfish and marlin also follow the shoal for a meal. Sharks, too, have learned about the sardine migration, and dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) and bronze whalers (Carcharhinus brachyurus) hang about off the coast waiting for the fish. Their elegant shapes can also be seen flicking in and out of bait balls, rushing through the swarming sardines, mouths agape. The sardines scatter before the attacking sharks. Seen from the air, the thick black slick of the sardines develops holes, known by some as shark doughnuts. Accidents can also happen. Both dolphins and gannets may be bitten in the chaos. Whales are also part of the Sardine Run. These are usually Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei), which grow up to 13m in total length and feed on small shoaling fish. A Bryde’s whale rising through a mass of sardines will swallow a mouthful about the size of a small car. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which are commonly seen off the east coast at this time of the year, are not actually feeding on the sardines. They are following their own mating and breeding routes, and simply passing through, probably to the relief of the other predators, because a 56-tonne humpback can have quite an appetite. The sardines arrive in extraordinary numbers, though. And as their headlong rush takes them further north, a combination of predator harrying and ocean-bottom formation drives them inshore where humans can catch them, whether by netting or, in some cases, by simply wading into the sea with skirts held wide. It’s an annual feast for all, but it’s an unpredictable one. In the 2011 season, very few sardines were seen. It may be that they simply managed to stay in the deep water this year. Maybe there were fewer of them because of overfishing. Or pehaps it was something else entirely. What is sure is that the predators far prefer sardines over any other schooling fish. Gannets and dolphins will ignore quite big schools of redeyes to concentrate on small pockets of sardines. The sardines just know they need to run. SR

SEA RESCUE • SUMMER 2011/12

STN 17 • HERMANUS

STN 27 • VICTORIA LAKE, GERMISTON

StatCom: Henk Henn (082 568 1829 Fuel sponsor: Engen Craft: South Star – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Hunters Gold Rescuer – 5.5m RIB, Spirit of Le Jenmar – 4.2m RIB Needs: Karcher high-pressure hose

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 18 • MELKBOSSTRAND StatCom: Rhine Barnes (082 990 5958 Craft: Spirit of the Vines – 5.5m RIB, Men’s Health Rescuer – 4.2m Zapcat, Discovery Rescue Runner 4 Needs: Karcher high-pressure hose

STN 19 • RICHARDS BAY

Graham Hartlett (082 441 6989 Vodacom Rescuer VI – 4.7m RIB White board for training

STN 28A • PORT ST JOHNS StatCom: Craft:

John Costello (082 550 5430 Walvan Rescuer – 4.2m, Freemason’s Way – 5.5m RIB

STN 30 • AGULHAS StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Reinard Geldenhuys (082 990 5952 Vodacom Rescuer VII – 8.5m RIB, I&J Rescuer II – 4.7 RIB Stackable chairs for training room

StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Dorian Robertson (082 990 5949 Engen Spirit of Richards Bay – 12m deep-sea rescue craft, Spirit of Round Table – 7m RIB, Rotary Ann – 4m RIB Electric lawn mower, wooden outdoor table

STN 31 • STILL BAY

STN 20

• SHELLEY BEACH

STN 32 • PORT EDWARD

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

StatCom: Mark Harlen (082 990 5950 Fuel sponsor: Caltex Craft: Caltex Endeavour – 7.3m RIB, Caltex Challenger II – 5.5m RIB, Caltex Discovery – 3.8m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 8 Needs: Fridge, spotlights for mobile, fibreglass sheeting

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 21 • ST FRANCIS BAY

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Marc May (082 990 5969 Spirit of St Francis II – 8.5m RIB, Eikos Rescuer I – 5.5m RIB Sea bags for crew

STN 22 • VAAL DAM StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Dick Manten (083 626 5128 Harvey’s Fibreglass – 5.5m RIB Head torches

STN 23 • WILDERNESS StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Hennie Niehaus (082 990 5955 Engen Spirit of Rotary 100 – 5.5m RIB, Serendipity – 4.2m RIB, Die Swart Tobie – 4.2m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 1 Sea bags for crew, medium-sized bearing puller

STN 24A • LAMBERT’S BAY StatCom: Craft:

Ron Selley (082 922 4334 Private vessels are used for rescues

STN 25 • HARTBEESPOORT DAM StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

André Kachelhoffer (082 990 5961 Shell Afrox Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB, Vodacom Rescuer V – 4.2m RIB Office equipment (stationery) and medical supplies

STN 26 • KOMMETJIE StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Tom Coetzee (082 990 5979 Spirit of Winelands – 5.5m RIB, FNB Wavescapes – 4.7m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 7 Karcher high-pressure hose

Enrico Menezies (082 990 5978 Spirit of St Francis – 7.3m RIB, Colorpress Too – 4.2m RIB 2 x 17 pitch cleever Yamaha props, shark-attack kit

Mick Banks (076 617 5002 Wild Coast Sun Rescuer – 7.3m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 6 Binoculars

STN 33 • WITSAND Attie Gunter (082 990 5957 Queenie Paine – 5.5m RIB, Falcon Rescuer – 4.5m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 9 Lockers for crew change room

STN 34 • YZERFONTEIN StatCom: Craft: Needs:

c/o Darius van Niekerk (082 990 5974 Rotary Onwards – 7.3m RIB, Spirit of Iffley – 4.2m RIB Funds towards new boathouse

STN 35A StatCom:

STN 36 StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 37 StatCom: Craft: Needs:

• WAVECREST, WILD COAST (083 306 3037/047 498 0042

Conrad Winterbach

• OYSTER BAY Mark Mans (083 653 6387 Pierre – 4.7m RIB, Seedoo jet ski 4x4 tractor (can be second hand), heavy-duty trailer

• JEFFREYS BAY Rieghard Janse van Rensburg (071 896 6831 Two jet skis Stackable chairs for new rescue base

Titan Hi Line Heli Team StatCom: Needs:

Phil Ress Dry suits

(082 990 5953

ASRU (Air Sea Rescue Unit) StatCom: Needs:

André Beuster Waterproof cameras

(083 677 7946

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NSRI’S HEAD OFFICE IN CAPE TOWN ON (021) 434-4011.

MELKBOS

Bakoven crew members John de Graaf and Bruce Davidson with a very special lot from Simonsig

Another special up for grabs, a 9-litre 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Edgebaston

GOING, GOING

GONE!

Usana wine tasting

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

THE ANNUAL ROTARY WINE AUCTION IN AID OF SEA RESCUE WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS AGAIN THIS YEAR The 16th Annual Rotary Wine Auction was held at the Table Bay Hotel on 6 October 2011. Seventeen tables of friends and bidders rallied in support of Station 2 (Bakoven) to kick-start the fundraising effort for the base’s new 6.5m rescue craft. The Annual Wine Auction, a collaborative effort of the Rotary Clubs of Table Bay and Newlands, has been raising funds for charitable projects for 16 years, the majority of which have seen Sea Rescue as the beneficiary. Thanks to the wine estates and individual donors who contributed the wines for auction. A particular mention must be made of Hein Schipper (who recently turned 100 years old), who donated R20 000 at the event. Special thanks to GrandWest CSI as the main sponsor, the Wine Cellar for its expertise and hard work, Claremart Auctioneers (MC du Toit) for donating its time and auctioneering skills every year, Usana for the excellent wines on the tables, and last, but not least, the Rotarians who worked tirelessly to put this project together. Although final calculations still need to be made, initial estimates indicate that about R170 000 was raised. SR

MC du Toit of Claremart Auctioneers

Hein Schipper made a generous donation in celebration of his 100th birhday

Handsome donations of wines from various estates

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