NSRI seeks volunteers

THE National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Jeffreys Bay needs more volunteers.
Sea Rescue is run by 980 unpaid volunteers nationally, with even the board of directors being volunteers.
They currently have 32 coastal and three inland rescue bases, with Jeffreys Bay (Station 37) being the newest base in the country.
This year's training programme for Jeffreys Bay will commence shortly and should you be interested in getting involved with this exciting organisation, read on.
There are various ways to volunteer your time for Sea Rescue, with the first being sea-going crew. It is always beneficial, but not required for new sea-going recruits to have a background in the marine environment and be familiar with the sea, radio operation, navigation and first aid, but if you are fit, healthy and eager to learn more, we can put you to good use.
The second area of involvement is shore crew, who assist with the administration of the base, as well as act as controllers for training exercises and rescue operations. This is best suited for people who want to get involved, but prefer to stay on dry land!
The NSRI is based on Main Beach.
The third area is coastwatchers, best suited to retired folk who have a good view of the ocean from their homes. Coast-watchers are a vital part of the team, as they act as "spotters”.
All training sessions take place after-hours, in the evening and on weekends. Standby for rescues is a 24/7/365 commitment, and best suited to people who live 10 minutes from the rescue base.
Volunteering is not glamorous work, but very rewarding. There is a lot of training and a whole lot of cleaning up involved. It will take at least six months to a year before you will be ready for a real-life rescue. Crew members and trainees are also required to assist with fundraising.
It may seem a mindless task, but a street collection can raise around R10000 for one morning's work. If you are humble enough to join us and shake a tin, we would love to have you.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Sea Rescue family in Jeffreys Bay, contact the Station Commander, Rieghard Van Rensburg on (071)896-6831.
Remember to save the Sea Rescue Jeffreys Bay 24/7/365 emergency number – 079-916-0390 – on your cellphone.