Specialised Rescue Unit – Volunteer Heroes

The Specialised Rescue Unit consists of dedicated members who volunteer their time and expertise to assist casualties, as well as to supply extra hands to other emergency services or rescue agencies when the need arises.

The Specialised Rescue unit is based in Ballito and covers the area between Umdloti in the south, Tugela in the north, Ndwedwe in the west and 5 nautical miles into the ocean. We have travelled further on request from other services.

Capabilities of the Unit include Aquatic Rescue (surf, swift water, open water and dive rescue / recovery), high angle rescue, medical stabilisation, confined space rescues. The members are also trained in vehicle extrication and fire fighting, but do not carry hydraulic tools or fire fighting equipment with them.

We do not transport patients or replace any ambulance services, just offer assistance to the best of our abilities until patient transport or ALS arrives on scene.

Over the years the Specialised Rescue Unit has be involved in assisting the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit with the recovery of many drowned victims as well as recovering the mortal remains of murder / suicide victims off cliffs . The unit was also involved with the rescue of fisherman from “The Fame” a fishing trawler that was sank off Ballito and more recently evacuating the crew from “The Phoenix” when it ran aground off Sheffield Beach. The Specialised Rescue unit works hand in hand with NSRI and responds to a large number of calls along the coastline with them.

Being very active along the North Coast the Specialised Rescue Unit has grown to know a large number of the crew from the Netcare 911 bases on the North coast. As a result of their professionalism and fast response we work hand in hand with Netcare 911 and always use them as our first call for any medical case that we receive or attend to.

The Specialised Rescue Unit is extremely community orientated and when they attend emergencies in any area will always try to educate the community involved so as to prevent further casualties.The unit also supplied safety services at events such as surf ski races, fishing competitions, triathlon days, medical at mountain bike races etc.

These members are not remunerated or funded in any way and pay expenses from their personal money and all equipment used is the members’ personal equipment. The unit hugely relies on sponsorship to keep equipment current and in excellent working order to ensure we can supply the community of our best attention at all times.

To assist please contact Carmen on 083 787 8959 or cpower@netforce.co.za