Take the plunge this winter solstice and help the NSRI save lives! Join South Africans braving the cold to raise funds for vital sea rescue and water safety efforts.
South Africa (17 June 2025) – As the longest night of the year approaches, South Africans are preparing to do something a little wild, a little icy and a whole lot meaningful.
On Saturday, 21 June, the winter solstice marks a turning point in the calendar: a celebration of the sun’s slow return and, for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), an opportunity to make a splash in support of saving lives. They’re calling on everyday heroes to take part in a nationwide Winter Solstice Plunge into the sea, a dam, a pool, or even just under a bucket of ice-cold water.
While plunging into frigid water may sound like madness, it’s exactly this kind of courage that defines the NSRI. Their volunteers are ready to respond in all weather, 24/7, year-round, even when the rest of us are curled up under blankets. And now, they’re inviting South Africans to embrace a little of that bravery in honour of their mission.
Whether you’re on the coast or far inland, the plunge is symbolic: a moment of discomfort that reflects the very real conditions rescue crews face and the very real difference your support can make. Plus, there’s a growing buzz about the benefits of cold-water immersion, from immune boosts to mood lifts, if you’re brave enough to try it.
NSRI’s winter tradition is already making waves. Last year, Station 23 volunteer Jané Botha turned a single swim into R47,500 in donations. Across the country, rescue stations will be taking their own plunges, some into icy surf, others into pools and rivers, rallying friends and communities to join them or cheer them on.
Now, it’s your turn.
- Set a Date: Choose a date, a place and a time for your plunge.
- Create a Campaign: Visit GivenGain, to find the NSRI ‘Winter Solstice swim 2025’ page
- Select ‘Start Fundraising,’ and follow the easy steps.
- Share the Message: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get involved or make a donation.
For more information on organising your Solstice Plunge and the tax breaks you’ll get from your donation, visit the NSRI’s Community Fundraising page or contact Renee on renee@searescue.org.za.
Whether you plunge alone, rope in the office team, or gather the whole neighbourhood, every rand raised supports the NSRI’s lifesaving work, teaching survival swimming, running rescue missions, and reaching thousands through water safety programmes.
So this winter solstice, do something bold. Dive in. Shiver. Laugh. And know you’re helping someone, somewhere, see another sunrise.
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