As Dr Cleeve Robertson embarks on a well-deserved retirement, he is honoured for a life and career dedicated to saving lives and his invaluable service to the NSRI with the prestigious International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
South Africa (12 November 2024) – Dr Cleeve Robertson, a name synonymous with maritime rescue and water safety, has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s coastal waters after recently stepping down from his leadership role as the CEO of the NSRI.
His recent recognition with the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his unwavering dedication to saving lives.
The international award recognises Robertson’s work as Chief Executive Officer of the NSRI from 2013 to his retirement at the end of October 2024 and for his leadership in the Maritime Search and Rescue sector for many years.
According to the NSRI, the compassionate doctor has spent his entire career caring for sick or injured people in their hour of need and has spent much of his free time out on the water or underwater.
After graduating from UCT in 1983, he worked at Groote Schuur Hospital, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Somerset Hospital, and the South African Military Health Services. In 1990, he began a journey of 23 years in Emergency Medical Services.
Robertson’s Invaluable Contributions to the NSRI
He served as the Honorary National Medical Advisor for the National Sea Rescue Institute since 2003 and successfully raised funding for R1.7m worth of medical equipment for NSRI bases.
Dr Robertson’s leadership of the NSRI began in 2013, a pivotal moment for the organisation. Under his leadership, the NSRI transformed from a modest operation into a formidable force in maritime rescue. When he started, the NSRI had 25 staff members and about 900 volunteers. Today, it boasts over 1,300 volunteers and 131 service locations nationwide, including seasonal lifeguarded beaches.
He has proactively expanded the Sea Rescue bases, stations, the fleet, and the number of volunteers, significantly increasing the NSRI’s capacity to save lives.
His innovative approach to water safety education has also empowered millions of children to make informed choices and stay safe around water.
One of his most notable achievements is the financial stability he brought to the NSRI. He believes that the organisation’s independence is crucial to its success.
This economic independence allows the NSRI to direct resources where needed without external interference, ensuring we can prioritise our strategies and respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies without political interference.
Dr Robertson has been directly involved in numerous rescues throughout his tenure, highlighting his hands-on approach and expertise in emergency medicine. One particularly harrowing event was the Miroshga incident in 2012, where three women were trapped under an overturned catamaran off the coast of Hout Bay in freezing, turbulent waters.
It was a complex and dangerous situation, but the rescue teams’ coordination, bravery, and skill turned a tragedy into a triumph, and all three women were rescued.
“The NSRI has become a strategic national rescue service in South Africa and it’s good to be recognised by international peers,” said Robertson.
“This award recognises the contribution of thousands of volunteers who live service, search and rescue and saving lives daily. I am humbled to be amongst such committed volunteers and honoured by this award. Thank you,” he said.
This is the second time that a member of the NSRI has received this award. The first recipient was Pat van Eyssen in 2021. He is an NSRI search and rescue coxswain with over 50 years of continuous operational service.
“Robertson’s dedication as medical advisor and leader has been an inspiration to both NSRI volunteers and the broader rescue community. We are thrilled that Robertson has won the IMRF Vladimir Maksimov Lifetime Achievement Award that recognises outstanding service to SAR by an individual or organisation,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk.
The NSRI community and the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by Dr Robertson’s work extend heartfelt gratitude for his service.
His leadership, dedication, and vision have saved many lives and built an enduring legacy that will continue to protect and serve South Africans for generations.
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)
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