National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)
Introduction
Category
About
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is best known for saving lives at sea, but our true mission is far bigger.
We are tackling South Africa’s drowning crisis.
Every year, more than a thousand people tragically drown across South Africa — children in farm dams, rivers, canals, and backyard pools; teenagers at the beach; seafarers earning a living on unforgiving seas. But here’s the reality: drowning is preventable.
For over 55 years, the NSRI has been at the frontline — with more than 1,500 unpaid volunteers across 50+ rescue bases and lifeguard units, providing a 24/7 rescue service, free of charge.
But rescue is only part of the solution.
Through water safety education classes, survival swimming lessons, advocacy for safer behaviour and responsible use of water environments, and innovation in rescue capability and technology, we equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water.
This is about more than saving lives. It is about changing lives. It is about creating futures. It is about building a water-safe South Africa.
The NSRI is a registered non-profit organisation and relies on public and private support to sustain and expand this work.
If you are looking to make a truly meaningful, measurable impact — whether through funding, partnership, or collaboration — there is an opportunity to be part of this mission.
NPO / NGO / PBO Number
Physical Address
Coverage Area
Contact Information
Social Media
How the Public Can Help
Current Needs / Wish List
Strategic Partnerships (National Impact):
We are actively seeking aligned partners who want to contribute to scaling drowning prevention in South Africa. This includes support for Water Safety Education and Survival Swimming programmes, as well as strengthening and expanding our national lifeguarding and rescue capability.Innovation & Technology:
We are continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance water safety, prevention, and rescue effectiveness — from new rescue technologies and equipment to data, tracking, and scalable solutions that can improve safety outcomes at a national level. Partners in this space have the opportunity to co-create meaningful, real-world impact.Programme Expansion & Community Impact:
Support that enables us to extend Water Safety Education and Survival Swimming into high-risk and underserved communities has a direct and measurable impact on drowning prevention and long-term behaviour change.Operational Enablement:
As a volunteer-based organisation operating 24/7 across South Africa’s coastline and inland waterways, we rely on ongoing support to maintain and strengthen rescue bases, training environments, and operational readiness infrastructure.Practical / In-Kind Support (Where Relevant):
From time to time, specific operational environments require practical support to remain functional and efficient. This can include equipment, base fittings, or infrastructure-related items that directly support day-to-day operations.Donation Links
Bank Details
- ABSA, Heerengracht
- Branch code: 506 009
- Account number: 1382480607
- Account holder: National Sea Rescue Institute
- Swift code: ABSA-ZA-JJ
