The NSRI has honoured Bravery, Gallantry, and Decades of Service at its 58th Awards Ceremony and Annual General Meeting. The National Sea Rescue Institute held its Annual General Meeting and Awards Evening at Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town on Friday, 15 August 2025.
NSRI Honours Bravery, Gallantry, and Decades of Service
The evening honoured exceptional acts of bravery, gallantry, and long service. It also recognised volunteers and civilians whose courage and dedication reflect the organisation’s core values. Bravery Awards are presented to civilians, while Gallantry Awards are presented to the NSRI crew.
Bravery and Gallantry Awards
The evening’s first honours went to 16-year-old Keegan Lowe, a civilian, who rescued three teenagers caught in a rip current at Pennington Beach, KwaZulu-Natal. This happened in November 2024. For his courage and selflessness, Keegan was awarded the NSRI Bronze Bravery Award.
At Port Alfred, NSRI rescue swimmer João Felizardo entered treacherous 3–4 metre swells to save 42-year-old Eldrien Jooste. She was pinned against rocks at the Kowie River Mouth. For his courage and composure under pressure, João received the NSRI Bronze Gallantry Award, and Station 11 Port Alfred received a Meritorious Service Award.
In Oyster Bay, NSRI crews mounted a high-risk rescue of a 74-year-old hiker trapped in the Elands River Mouth. Facing fading light, rough seas, and extreme terrain, the rescue team worked into the night to bring her to safety.
Awards went to:
- Bravery Bronze: EMS Paramedic Sheldon Swartbooi
- Gallantry Bronze: NSRI crew Caro Oosthuizen and Johan Strydom
- Gallantry Silver: NSRI Coxswain Lodewyk van Rensburg
- Meritorious Service Award: Station 36 Oyster Bay
MORE ABOUT: The citations
A major operation followed the capsizing of a small ski boat at Saunders’ Rock and Queen’s Beach in Bantry Bay. NSRI crews fought to rescue three men. Despite two lives tragically lost, the swift, coordinated response was recognised with multiple awards:
- Gallantry Silver Awards: Tiaan de Kock (received by his father, Buks de Kock), Russell Goodman, Jannes le Roux, and Pieter van Heerden
- Meritorious Service Awards: Station 2 Bakoven and Station 3 Table Bay
Station Awards
- Most Improved Station: Station 51 – Gariep Dam
- Best RIB Station: Station 12 – Knysna and Station 14 – Plettenberg Bay
- Pat O’Sullivan Trophy (Best Class 1 Station): Station 10 – Simon’s Town
Special Service Awards
The Marmion Marsh Trophy, awarded for distinguished service, went to Craig Lambinon, NSRI’s National Spokesman.
Craig’s three decades of operational service, leadership in communications, and compassion in supporting families during crises were recognised as central to NSRI’s identity.
“Tonight we honour extraordinary courage and lifelong commitment,” said NSRI Chairperson Jonny Velloza.
The Alric Simpson Floating Trophy, which honours outstanding service to the NSRI, was presented to Bernard Osrin for his leadership of the NSRI Investment Committee. Over the course of more than a decade, Bernard has ensured the careful stewardship of donor funds. He thereby strengthened the NSRI’s financial foundation and long-term sustainability.
Long Service Awards
The NSRI honoured volunteers and staff who have served for 20 years and more:
- 20 Years: Marius Hayes, Stephen van den Berg, Heidrun Wassermann, Debra Biggs, Juan Pretorius, Emily Bruwer, Jaco Kruger, Tracy Meintjes, Keith Carey, Glen Preston, Gert du Plessis
- 25 Years & Honorary Life Membership: Brett Ayres, Mark Koning, Jaco de Witt, Michael Whittal, Justin Erasmus, Aidan Wood, Marc May, Mahboob Ebrahim
- 30 Years: Grant Skinner, Laurent Eray
- 35 Years: John Brown, Andre Fraser
- 40 Years: Paul Jordaan, Michael Saunders
- 45 Years: Phil Ress
- 50 Years: Brad Geyser and Rob Stirrat
- 55 Years: Howard Godfrey
Special tributes were given to Brad Geyser and Rob Stirrat for their half-century of dedication, and to Howard Godfrey, who marked an extraordinary 55 years of service.
A Celebration of Courage and Commitment
NSRI Chairperson Jonny Velloza, who presented the awards, thanked the awardees, saying:
“Every award represents not only individual bravery but also the collective spirit of the NSRI – volunteers, families, partners, and supporters working together to save lives.”
