Ballito NSRI station continues to grow from strength to strength

The small but dedicated National Sea Rescue Institute team stationed at Ballito is entering its third year of operations.

With more than 18 years worth of specialised rescue training and experience, Quentin Power was selected to establish the NSRI’s 41st station along the South African coastline.

NSRI is a national, non-profit organisation manned by more than 1000 volunteers.

Power and a group of friends started the Specialised Rescue Unit in the early 2000s to assist in emergencies.

The need for a local NSRI station was identified following the area’s economic boom and development and growth in population.

“There was a large distance between the Durban and Richards Bay stations and with drowning statistics rising, the need to fill the gap and reduce response times was clear,” he said.

Since opening their doors in 2018, Power says they have seen an improved awareness of water-related safety locally.

“Talks and presentations by our crew have been an asset in increasing awareness of unsafe areas and practices.

Oceangoers have become more at ease and now call for assistance before situations get out of hand and become rescues.”

But what does it take to be part of such a team, and why should you care about the safety of others?

“It takes a lot of dedication and passion for giving. There is a lot to learn from our training programmes before you become a qualified crew member,” said Power.

But more importantly, you need to be a team-player.

Working as a volunteer crew member for the NSRI is often a highly demanding and mentally and emotionally draining job – and comes with no salary.

“Growing a bunch of unpaid volunteers in today’s age is challenging, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Often people leave when they see it’s not about glory or fame and realise much work and dedication is needed.”

With the festive season having arrived, Power advised beachgoers to always be aware of their own limitations and only swim at protected beaches.

Should you need the help of NSRI Ballito, contact the station at 063 699 2687 or the national emergency operations centre at 087 094 9774, or call 112 from a cell phone.