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The National Sea Rescue Institute marked another milestone in its pink rescue buoy project, saying the 200th person they know of has been rescued using one of the pink buoys that are strategically situated at many beaches, rivers and dams.
“The rescue of a young man and his father from a rip current at the Clovelly corner of Fish Hoek beach on Saturday, using a body board and Pink Rescue Buoy, marks the 200th successful rescue of a person in danger of drowning that we know of,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk.
He said the Pink Rescue Buoy project, introduced in 2017, has been a game-changer regarding community involvement in water safety.
“Each Pink Buoy serves as a symbol of safety, provides a lifeline to those in distress and raises awareness about the dangers of water,” said Vonk.
The NSRI said the project was launched to provide a simple, easy-to-use rescue device at popular yet sometimes dangerous swimming spots.
“They empower bystanders to act safely and quickly in an emergency, get the correct emergency number from the Pink Buoy sign, and ensure that assistance is available to the person in distress while awaiting formal rescue services,” Vonk added.
Meanwhile, the NSRI's communications manager, Andrew Ingram, emphasised the importance of public awareness and the role of untrained people in the initiative's success:
“The Pink Rescue Buoy is effective because it enables ordinary people to make a difference.
“Time is critical in any drowning situation and having these buoys available means that anyone nearby can assist without putting themselves in unnecessary danger.
“We’ve seen numerous instances where, thanks to a Pink Rescue Buoy, lives that might have been lost have been saved,” Ingram said.
The NSRI also urges community members to become "Pink Rescue Buoy volunteers" by reporting any missing Pink Rescue Buoys to the NSRI on 021 434 4011.
“Your report could save a life,” said Ingram.
