The National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Pink Buoy has safely assisted in 146 reported rescues to date. The Pink Rescue Buoy has proven to be an effective tool for aiding in rescues.

Each buoy is housed on a sturdy pole with signage showing how they should be used, as well as the NSRI’s emergency number and the buoy’s unique identification number, which helps rescue services identify the location of the emergency. ID numbers and NSRI’s contact telephone numbers are also on the buoys themselves so they can easily be returned to their posts after usage, or if they are lost or stolen.

NSRI Pink Buoy rescue

In the latest incident, on Wednesday 19 April 2023, a woman was rescued by a good samaritan using the pink buoy. The female appeared to be in distress in the surf line along the North Coast at Salmon Bay, Kwazulu Natal.

A local skipper, Daniel van Huysteen leaped into the surf to assist the woman. He happens to be part of the Lotus Swim School and a swimming instructor at a local pre-primary school,

The woman reportedly appeared to get into distress after she had entered the surf where a ski boat had just been launched to go to sea. Thankfully, van Huysteen prevented a potential tragedy by reaching the woman quickly using the Buoy to bring her safely back to shore.

An eye witness, Mel Murray, who works at The Deck, a local bar, had earlier suggested to the woman to preferably not swim at that spot as it is known to sometimes cause swimmers to get into trouble.

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The NSRI’s spokesperson, Craig Lambinon says van Huysteen’s swift reaction serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and looking out for one another when enjoying days at the beach.

Residents are urged to always swim in designated safe areas where lifeguards are present and to use the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoys when needed to aid in rescues.