On average, 1 477 people drown in South Africa every year. The number would be much higher if it isn’t for the work done by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

The institute is of national importance as they have prevented drownings and been saving lives on the coast and inland, for more than 50 years.

According to the NSRI, most drownings occur in KZN, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. Last year, the institute managed to rescue 960 people and assist 41 animals.

They have 41 base stations and five satellite stations across the country, with more than 1 300 volunteers, 96 rescue craft and 60 vehicles.

Despite being located in more than 80 places and teaching more than three million citizens, mostly children, about water safety, the NSRI is not supported by government.

They therefore rely on donations to meet their budget requirements of R150m. The pressure to raise the amount has increased as the NSRI – an institute that does do not charge for any rescue services – are expanding the footprint of the Pink Rescue Buoys, investigating the amalgamation and takeover of the lifesaving organisations, and are building a new fleet of world-class water rescue craft.

On October 1, all branches from the NSRI will host an open day where visitors will have the opportunity to see what it takes to deliver this service.

“Some would say that our volunteers are heroes, but to us, the real heroes are all of you -the donors who support us every day. So, please, come down with the family to your local rescue base – our volunteers would love the chance to meet their heroes in person,” says NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson.

To see which branch is closest to you, click here or visit their Facebook page for more information about the open day and their rescue services.