Let’s take a moment to celebrate the fierce women of the NSRI, the everyday heroes who show up, suit up, and save lives!
South Africa (08 August 2025) – Our beautiful country is filled with everyday heroes (we shine the spotlight on many of them every day), but few carry the kind of courage it takes to launch into rough seas at midnight, answer calls no one else can, or lead life-saving missions with calm and care.
The women of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) do all of that and more.
In celebration of National Women’s Month, the NSRI is honouring the women who make up nearly a third of their volunteer force, a remarkable stat in the global maritime world.
Rescue coxswains, shore controllers, survival swimming instructors and station commanders (to name a few) are the women showing up for South Africa’s coastlines in so many fearless ways.
“We pay tribute to extraordinary South African women, especially those who have chosen to serve their communities as NSRI volunteers,” says NSRI CEO Mike Vonk. “They give their time freely, often in the most demanding environments, responding with courage and skill, day and night.”
In a tribute video released this month, six volunteers from across the country share what drives them to step up – and stay. We loved it and would like to share it with you:
For Carmen Long, Deputy Station Commander and Class 1 Coxswain in Hout Bay, it all started simply.
“I just joined because I wanted to be part of something. I wanted to help. And as you do your best, opportunities just present themselves and then you take them,” she says.
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It’s that quiet sense of duty that defines so many of the women at the NSRI – but behind the scenes is a deep sense of strength and responsibility.
“It’s a big pressure. It’s a big responsibility. And I take that into consideration every time I have to make a decision,” Carmen says.
Rebecca Carter-Smith, Lifeguard Operations Manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the weight of the role, either.
“Being a Class 1 Coxswain is not a joke. You are responsible for over 10 people… the whole operation… and a 25 million rand asset,” she acknowledges.
But what’s just as powerful is the community these women have built with each other.
“That’s what you get when you join a Sea Rescue station,” says Rebecca. “A group of people who see you, who see the effort that you want to put in. They welcome you with open arms… and they want to see their own passion through other people as well.”
Well, all know that being a hero doesn’t often come without sacrifice, though. Between callouts and training, birthdays are missed, special moments put on hold, but for these ladies of the sea, the trade-off is always worth it.
“It does take sacrifice,” says Rebecca adding: “It sometimes means missing your sister’s birthday…But I think that’s what you sign up for and you understand that sometimes missing a special moment is worth the lives that you are going to save by doing what you do.”
Cherelle Leong, a Class 3 Coxswain in Hout Bay, sums it up well:
“It’ll teach you more about life than anything else.”
For Kelly Fourie, a Class 4 Coxswain in Mossel Bay, the call to lead still feels surreal, but selflessness is a quality that she runs with.
“You have to be selfless. You have to put others before yourself at all times.”
Nicky Whitehead, Station Commander in Strandfontein, didn’t expect to lead either – but now she wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“Being a station commander was not even a consideration when I started… but I would do it over again if I could in a second,” she says, adding: “It has been rewarding in ways that I could never imagine.”
And then there’s Sara Jane Smith, Class 2 Coxswain and Station Commander in Cape St Francis. For her, the role is a life calling.
“It’s probably the best and worst job I’ve ever had in my whole life. It’s just been incredible.” She adds: “In some of the toughest callouts, the crew just pulls together with all their heart and soul. It’s incredible to witness human beings doing that and being so selfless.”
That same heartbeat runs through the shore crew too. Ilhaam Adams, Senior Shore Controller in Strandfontein, says it’s the team that makes it all worth it.
“It’s the camaraderie we have here… the bond, the respect, the support. That is the best part.”
And so is the act of serving.
She adds: “Being able to serve the community, being able to be a support for the ones that are in distress.”
The message from all of them is clear: you don’t have to be fearless to get started. You just have to be willing.
“Anybody can make a difference,” says Sara Jane. “You’ve just got to get to the station nearest to you, and they will bring it out in you.”
Here’s to every launch, every rescue, every ripple of hope.
Support the NSRI by finding out more here.
Sources: Supplied / NSRI
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