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The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has received international recognition for its groundbreaking Beach Safety Camera Network Project once again.
The NSRI Beach Safety Cameras are strategically positioned at beaches with high rip current risk in the Western Cape, including Blouberg Beach, Strand Beach, Herolds Bay (Garden Route area), and Buffels Bay.
The NSRI secured second place in this year’s International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards.
South Africa’s popular beaches have always been a draw for locals and tourists, especially during the summer and holiday seasons. However, with the vast expanses of these beaches and the inherent risks, including treacherous rip currents, the need for enhanced safety measures to assist lifeguards becomes paramount.
Andrew Ingram, the Drowning Prevention Manager at the NSRI, emphasised the institute’s dedication to exploring innovative ways to safeguard the lives of water users.
“This is the organisation’s seventh award from the IMRF, having previously been a runner-up for their water safety lessons for children in 2016, the Pink Rescue Buoy project (2018), the floating rock and surf rescue stretcher (2019), a lifetime achievement award for Patrick van Eyssen for his 50 years of active rescue volunteerism as well as an award for the JetRIB in 2021 and for the Survival Swimming Centre container pool project in 2022,” says Ingram.
Rescue
Ingram recounted an emotional rescue earlier this year when a Beach Safety Camera at Strand Beach played a pivotal role in saving the life of a young boy, Matthew (10).
“The vigilant camera operator spotted Matthew in distress as he was pulled away from the beach by a rip current. Immediate action was taken as the operator alerted local lifeguards to the emergency, leading to the successful rescue of Matthew.”
The family of young Matthew will forever cherish the vigilance of Lezhae Snyders who was behind the monitor, and who acted swiftly after spotting the child in trouble.
Lezhae, who was the on-duty camera operator at the NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), described that day as relatively busy when she noticed someone in distress before lifeguards had started their duty. Her quick response and alert to lifeguards already on the beach but still setting up for the day ensured that Matthew’s life was saved.
Expansion
Ingram further reveals the NSRI has plans to expand this lifesaving project to additional areas, with the goal of installing more cameras in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal early next year.
Recognising the importance of community involvement, the NSRI is expanding its team of volunteers to operate these cameras.
These dedicated volunteers, from the comfort of their homes, play a vital role in monitoring Beach Safety Cameras and promptly alerting the NSRI EOC to any potential dangers, thus enabling more lives to be saved.
The NSRI provides comprehensive training to these volunteers on camera operation, with the Emergency Operations Centre and other volunteers offering continuous guidance and support as needed.
This pilot project is currently being extended to Strand, Blouberg and Buffelsbaai.
“The NSRI is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the IMRF. The Beach Safety Camera Network Project adds a layer of security for beach users and continues to save lives,” Ingram says.
“We would like to sincerely thank all those who volunteer their time to monitor these cameras, reinforcing the NSRI’s commitment to making South African beaches safer for all,” Ingram says.
