Paula Armstrong's Passion for the Ocean Drives Life-Saving Feats

Photo Credit: NSRI via Facebook

Whether she’s saving lives or determined to conquer a long-distance swim challenge, Paula Armstrong’s relationship with the ocean is one of profound purpose and unwavering passion!

Cape Town, South Africa (14 March 2025) – Whether on a pursuit to save a life in distress or diving into competitive swims, the ocean has always been a place where Paula Armstrong finds purpose and passion.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the former volunteer at NSRI Station 3 Table Bay spent much of her free time saving lives in the ocean while gaining invaluable lessons about the unpredictable waters.

However, she has more recently shifted her focus to now making waves in long-distance swimming, conquering some of the most gruelling swims South Africa has to offer.

Her recent False Bay swim was accompanied by strong winds that made the experience far more challenging than expected, but an exhilarating one nonetheless!

But her ambitions don’t stop there. She now looks forward to competing in one of the most prestigious open-water swims in the world: The English Channel.

“I’ve had to get my mind around swimming that kind of distance and really evaluate whether I have the capacity to put in the time and resources it demands,” she explains to NSRI.

“For me, there are a few golden rules: Find the right team to journey with you; take yourself seriously, and make this your priority for the time being.”

Her time at the NSRI has played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of the sea and the importance of trusting her team and the people around her.

While the demands of training forced her to temporarily step away from volunteering, her commitment remains strong, with plans to return after her Channel swim.