STORMS RIVER – The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) announced that its Sea Rescue station at Storms River mouth has been recognised with a Kudu Award by South African National Parks (SANParks) in the Professional Stakeholder category.
The award was presented to Bruce Sandmann, NSRI’s Head of Training, at a ceremony in Johannesburg on 27 November.
The award celebrates the Storms River station’s exceptional contribution to public safety and conservation through its close partnership with Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park.
Charles Hutchins, NSRI Station Commander at Station 46, Storms River, said, “This award is not just for the crew on the ground, it’s for every person who has helped make this Sea Rescue station a success.”
“We are a small team of volunteers, mostly professional river guides and SANParks Rangers, working in one of the most rugged rescue environments in South Africa, but we are backed by a much bigger family.”
The award citation highlighted the ways in which NSRI Storms River has made a meaningful difference in Tsitsikamma.
The station plays a critical role in coastal search and rescue operations, particularly along the rugged coastline where joint NSRI and SANParks rescues have saved lives, including a rope-based rescue at Bloukrans River Mouth.
Over the past 18 months, the station has responded to 37 incidents, many requiring helicopter support.
The partnership has also led to the training of 18 SANParks Rangers in NSRI’s pre-sea training and online theory.
One ranger has qualified as an active sea-going crew member and is progressing towards becoming a Class 4 Coxswain in 2026, while three others are currently in training.
The NSRI’s 4.5-metre JetRIB, Spirit of Sam, named in memory of a SANParks team member, is hosted at the Sea Rescue base by SANParks and stands as a symbol of the deep bond between the two organisations.
Beyond rescue operations, NSRI has supported SANParks’ Kids in the Park programme at Nature’s Valley, teaching 500 local children vital water safety skills and survival swimming, with the support of NSRI Plettenberg Bay and local lifeguards.
During peak holiday periods, NSRI volunteers also assist SANParks Honorary Rangers in providing water safety during rock pool education sessions for children, ensuring safe and engaging learning environments.
“Our working relationship with SANParks is one of deep trust,” said Hutchins.
“They help us carry patients out of rugged trails, provide manpower on long rescues, and join us in educating the next generation.”
Station 46 is on the cusp of a new chapter, with construction of its new rescue base nearing completion.
Although the buildings have not yet been handed over, the two boathouses are almost ready.
Hutchins said that the team is hopeful that this national recognition will help accelerate efforts to finalise and secure a permanent home for the station, a development that would greatly enhance its operational readiness and community outreach.
Looking ahead to 2026, the station plans to deepen its collaboration with SANParks by expanding training opportunities.
More SANParks Rangers are expected to join the NSRI training pipeline, supported by volunteers from NSRI Station 6 in Gqeberha.
Maritime Extrication courses, which began this year, will continue, and there are plans to introduce a Whale Disentanglement course, given the station’s location in a conservation area.
Another important goal is to teach all SANParks rangers how to swim, starting with NSRI’s Survival Swimming module, to ensure that all members working along the coastline are water-safe.
The station will also continue its holiday outreach programme with SANParks Honorary Rangers, providing water safety education for local children, a vital service in a region where visitors often underestimate the risks posed by natural terrain and unpredictable sea conditions.
Hutchins noted that many rescues take place along trails such as the Suspension Bridge and Waterfall Trail, which often require long extractions and coordinated efforts between NSRI and up to 20 SANParks Rangers.
“We’re a small crew in a remote location, but this award proves that with teamwork, community, and purpose, we can make a real difference,” said Hutchins.
