Volunteers and civilians alike, who risk their own lives to save people from drowning, were recently awarded by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
The event, held in Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, was the 58th year that the NSRI celebrated the courageous deeds of both volunteers and civilians out at sea.
Civilians are bestowed with awards in the category of bravery. Gallantry awards are reserved for NSRI crew members.
Andrew Ingram, communication manager for the NSRI said: The event celebrated remarkable acts of gallantry and bravery…the evening was a powerful reminder that the NSRI is built on courage, commitment and community.
Highlights of the NSRI Awards
There were several highlights of the evening. One was the story of Keegan Lowe, 16, who took on a rip current in Pennington Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, last November to save three teenagers caught in the strong current. His brave deed earned him the NSRI Bronze Bravery Award.
Another NSRI Bravery Award recipient was Joao Felizardo, an NSRI rescue swimmer in Port Alfred. He braved four-metre high waves to rescue Eldrien Jooste, 42, who gripped onto rocks at the Kowie River Mouth to avoid being swept away.
A risky mission in Oyster Bay, along the Eastern Cape coastline to save a 74-year-old hiker trapped in the Elands River Mouth, led to the recognition of four recipients.
The awardees were: Sheldon Swaartbooi, an EMS Paramedic (Bravery Bronze); Caro Oosthuizen and Johan Strydom, NSRI crew (Gallantry Bronze); Lodewyk van Rensburg, an NSRI Coxswain and 36 Oyster Bay (Meritorious Service Award).
The Long Service Awards category had a few highlights. Specials tributes went out to Brad Geyser and Rob Stirrat for dedicating 50 years of service to the NSRI. Howard Godfrey was bestowed with an award for an astounding 55 years of service. Jonny Velloza, the Chairperson of the NSRI thanked all awardees for their brave deeds and commitment.
“Tonight, we honour extraordinary courage and lifelong commitment. Every award represents not only individual bravery but also the collective spirit of the NSRI – volunteers, families, partners, and supporters working together to save lives,” he said.
What are your views on the bravery displayed by the award recipients?
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