Rescue operations in the water have come under pressure. This is due to the global surge in fuel prices. The National Sea Rescue Institute says the escalating costs are placing pressure on its ability to train volunteer rescue crews and deliver lifesaving services.

NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774

Rescue operations in the water under pressure

The CEO of the NSRI, Mike Vonk, says they will never stop responding to emergencies. Vonk added that if fuel costs continue to rise sharply, the pressure shifts to the systems that keep their crews ready and their prevention work active. This helps to save lives before emergencies happen.

“There will always be fuel for rescues. That is non-negotiable,” says Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.

NSRI attending to multiple incidents — NSRI is attending to multiple incidents

Global Fuel Price Surge Puts Pressure on NSRI Rescue Ops

Vonk added that the global surge in fuel prices will have real consequences for all South Africans. The surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He says that for the NSRI, it will place growing pressure on the organisation’s ability to train volunteer rescue crews and deliver lifesaving services.

“Fuel doesn’t just power our boats,” says Vonk. “It powers every part of our ability to save lives – from training and readiness to prevention in communities.”

The organisation says current projections point to a significant rise in both petrol and diesel prices. Their rescue vessels, vehicles and training all depend on fuel. So a fuel price surge will have a direct and material impact on its operations. This includes training, readiness and prevention activities.

Boat running costs exceed R5.5 million annually

The NSRI’s Communications Manager, Andrew Ingram, says their latest reports show boat running costs exceeding R5.5 million annually. He says based on current projections, rising fuel prices could add significant additional cost pressures. Ingram says to manage this responsibly, the NSRI is tightening fuel use, prioritising critical operations, and refining training to ensure every session delivers maximum value.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774 or dial 112 from any mobile phone.

He says the NSRI will continue to respond to emergencies, but rising fuel costs are expected to place growing pressure on the systems that make those rescues possible. These include crew training, rescue craft readiness and response vehicles. Also, the delivery of water safety and survival swimming programmes in disadvantaged communities could be affected.

Safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters

Ingram says training remains essential to the safety and effectiveness of the NSRI’s volunteer crews. They operate in challenging and unpredictable conditions. The organisation’s water safety and survival swimming programmes, which help prevent drownings, are also impacted by operational costs.

READ MORE: About the NSRI

“The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives. They are unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters. This they do through education, prevention, and rescue operations. Their volunteers are on call 24/7. They are reliant on donations and sponsorships.”