The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a non-profit organisation that saves lives on South African waters. Sea Rescue is run by 840 highly skilled volunteers who are on standby day and night throughout the year. Donations and sponsorships cover the annual running cost of R15m.
The NSRI has 29 coastal and three inland stations. It has a fleet of 72 rescue craft, 21 vehicles and access to a range of helicopters. NSRI enjoys a good working relationship with other emergency services and believes that it is through team effort that lives are saved.
The NSRI has initiated an education arm called WaterWise, which teaches children what to do in an emergency and gives them the confidence to “breathe for their buddy” while they wait for the ambulance to arrive. WaterWise targets the disadvantaged youth between the ages of nine and 14, because statistically they are the most at risk (South African Medical Research Council, 2006).
WAYS TO GIVE
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a completely independent organisation that relies almost entirely on voluntary subscriptions to finance its operations. Nearly R10 million has to be raised each year in order to run the rescue service. Because the NSRI is staffed by volunteer crew, it has been possible to run this service within a relatively small budget. Without the funding essential to run this organisation, it would no longer be possible to respond to emergency calls.
Your support — in either time or money — would help us enormously in our role of protecting and saving lives on South African waters. We now have SARS 18A status so your donations are tax-deductable.
Donation
Sea Rescue relies on donations from the public and businesses to meet their annual running costs of R10 million per annum. Donors can rest assured that all funds are spent on the rescue equipment needed by the bases. The rescue crew are all unpaid volunteers and the head office expenses are funded by Platinum Partners.
Cheques can be mailed to: PO Box 154, Green Point 8051.
Deposits can be made at: ABSA, Heerengracht branch
Branch code: 506 009
Account number: 10 1195 0601
Account holder: National Sea Rescue Institute of SA
We reluctantly include our bank details because we like to thank our donors and ensure that their monies are spent at the base of their choice. If you choose to deposit money, please include a unique reference for your transaction and send us a note so that we can keep track of our generous givers.
Coastwatcher
Not everyone needs to get their feet wet. Being a reactive organisation, we rely heavily on a network of coastwatchers. These are the people who spot flares and take bearing readings; they also keep their eyes on the casualty while we launch our rescue craft. Anyone who has an ocean view is welcome to participate.
Call your nearest NSRI base to introduce yourself or contact the head office on (021) 434 4011.
Monthly draw
Sub head: Sign up with us and you could win R10 000!
A monthly debit order of R25 means a chance to win five monthly prizes to the value of R10 000 each, as well as entry into the grand annual draw of R100 000. You can't win if you don't enter, so please call Cindy at the NSRI Call Centre on (021) 430 4730. If you would like a consultant to call you, please click here to leave your phone number.
R100 000 annual Winner 2007:
Mr C Chaney, Winston Ridge
Pajero Competition
Sub head: By giving R395, you could win TWO Pajeros as first prize, valued at more than R812 000!
By giving R395 you could win TWO Pajeros as first prize - TWO Mitsubishi Pajeros valued at more than R812 000! Because the number of tickets are limited to 16 000, you have an extremely good chance to win and you're also helping us to continue saving lives. Each ticket holder can also win a fantastic second prize consisting of a trip for two to Spain, including grand-stand seats to the Spanish Grand Prix and superior three-star beach-resort accommodation. This prize is estimated to be worth more than R50 000.
To participate phone Judith Longmore at the NSRI Call Centre on (021) 430 4744. If you would like a consultant to call you, please click here to leave your phone number.
Volunteer
Sea-going and shore-based crew run the rescues along very strict protocols. It is most useful to have new recruits who are familiar with the sea, radio operation, navigation or first aid - but whatever your talent we can put you to good use. Volunteering is not glamorous work, there is a lot of training and a whole lot of cleaning up involved. It will be six months before you will be ready for a real-life rescue so if you are thinking Baywatch then you will have to think again. Team effort is essential.
Your will
Give a lasting gift by leaving a sum of money to your favourite NSRI base in your will. Then please let us know of your intention so that the chaps get a chance to thank you in person. Our bequest officers are also available to give talks to retirement clubs. To join our Lifeboat Circle for retired people, call Margaret on 082 990 5976 or email nsri-marg@iafrica.com.
Sponsor a boat
Without boats, there are no rescues. We have various boats for the wide range of calls we respond to. Their prices range from R35 000 to R5 million - a substantial donation from a company or family will ensure a lasting gift by naming the boat for the lifespan of its service (around 11 years). Please speak to your local NSRI base or call the head office on (021) 434 4011.
Become a Member
Your annual membership of R100 goes towards our running costs and you in turn will get free copies of the Sea Rescue magazine. |
