NSRI Pink Buoy is Vital to Saving Lifes , Recent Duo Rescued

The Herold’s Bay NSRI Pink Buoy recently played a crucial role in rescuing a father-daughter duo in distress, marking the 160th life saved since the program’s inception in 2017.

In Herold’s Bay, Not too far from George, the NSRI Pink Buoy has proven to be an invaluable system,

contributing to making South Africa safer. As we enter the Silly Season, these lifesaving devices are expected to play a pivotal role in saving even more lives.

The recent rescue involved a father and daughter from Sandton, Johannesburg, who found themselves caught in a rip current. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various individuals, including Mike Vonk, the NSRI Wilderness station commander, and local residents Corne Calitz and Steven Steyn, the duo was successfully rescued.

The NSRI Wilderness duty crew was alerted at 15h41 on Wednesday, 22 November, following eyewitness reports of the two individuals being pulled out to sea in a rip current. The NSRI Wilderness rescue craft Oscars Rescuer was swiftly prepared for launch from the community-sponsored garage in Herold’s Bay.

Ian Barnard, an 18-year-old Hartenbos Lifesaving lifeguard, played a critical role in the rescue. Using an NSRI pink rescue buoy stationed at the beach, he swam out to the casualties, providing them with the buoy to stay afloat. Recognizing the danger, Ian retreated briefly to secure a second pink rescue buoy, ensuring both the father and daughter had flotation devices.

Additional assistance came from Steven Steyn and Corne Calitz, who arrived with surfboards. Together, they formulated a plan to paddle the daughter back first, given the strong current. NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmer Adam Helling also joined the efforts with his personal torpedo rescue buoy.

The collaboration of Ian, Steven, Corne, and Adam, along with the assistance of bystander Tristan van Wyk, resulted in the safe return of the casualties to shore. The 2 casualties received medical treatment on the beach for non-fatal drowning symptoms and exhaustion.

The swift and coordinated actions of Ian, Steven, Corne, Adam, and Tristan were commendable, highlighting the success of the NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy program, which has contributed to saving 160 lives. The incident underscores the importance of these buoy deployments, ensuring the safety of both rescuers and those in distress.

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