The NSRI in Ballito is appealing for community support as vital pink rescue buoys continue to be lost or stolen along the North Coast.

The National Sea Rescue Institute’s Pink Rescue Buoy initiative is a critically important innovation in drowning prevention, which earned the organisation an Innovation and Technology Award from the International Maritime Rescue Federation in 2018.

Since the project began in 2017, more than 2 100 Pink Rescue Buoys have been installed around South Africa and more than 250 lives have been saved through their use.

Statistics show that entering the water with an approved life-saving device dramatically increases the chances of a successful rescue, with the NSRI noting that there is “an almost 100% chance of success” when using one of its flotation aids.

There are nearly 40 pink buoys positioned along the North Coast, from Umdloti to Zinkwazi and they are checked and replaced by community NSRI volunteers.

However, NSRI Ballito (Station 41) volunteer Pieter le Roux has raised concerns about the number of buoys that are stolen or lost, noting that as many as 15 can go missing each year, mostly during the holiday season.

“They are going missing at a terrible rate,” said Le Roux. “Every buoy that goes missing could cost lives.”

Placed strategically on signs at selected inland rivers, dams and beaches, the bright pink buoys serve as a reminder to exercise caution when no lifeguards are on duty.

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In the event of someone getting into difficulty in the water, the buoys can be used as emergency flotation devices until help arrives. Their bright colour also makes them easy to spot.

The total set-up cost for one Pink Rescue Buoy, including the pole and metal spike, is about R2 000 and it is up to local NSRI bases to raise funds to replace them when they go missing.

To donate to the Ballito Station 41 Pink Rescue Buoy initiative, visit nsri.org.za and click on the donate tab (using ‘ST41 PB’ as your reference).

Missing buoys can be reported on 063 699 2687.

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