Brave women have made their mark in sea rescue in South Africa.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in South Africa salutes the women within its ranks this Women’s month who risk their lives to help those in trouble out at sea.
The Institute proudly notes that 28% of its volunteers are women. They make a significant contribution in different spheres within the organisation.
Over the years women have served as volunteers in sea rescue operations, drowning prevention exercises and water safety education. Their efforts as “guardians of the sea” aim to build safer communities.
Women at NSRI share sentiments on their role in sea rescue
Carmen Long from Hout Bay, Cape Town is one of the first woman to be appointed Class 1 Coxswain, In this leadership role she is responsible for the entire operation while out at sea. Ten people depend on her for direction during rescue missions, and she’s accountable for equipment worth millions of rands.
“It was never a question about I am the first women to be a Class 1 Coxswain. It was do you think I can do it? I joined because I wanted to be a part of something. I wanted to help. As you do your best, opportunities present themselves,” said Long.
The person everybody turns to for guidance at the Institute is Nicky Whitehead, the Station Commander from Strandfontein. She served at the NSRI for the past ten years.
Never did she think she would assume such a huge leadership role when she started as a trainee volunteer at the NSRI.
“Being a station commander was not a consideration. When you start of as a trainee you don’t see yourself with that much responsibility…a lot of time [for me] has gone into sea rescue in the last 10 years, time I could have spent doing otherwise but I would do it over again in a second.
It is rewarding in ways I could never imagine,” said Whitehead.
Working in sea rescue does take its toll on one’s personal life. Many volunteers miss out on personal life moments. The protectors of the sea, however, believe “it’s worth it if it meant saving a life”.
Mike Vonk, CEO at the NSRI praised the women volunteers who face challenging situations, yet courageously respond to pleas for help, day or night.
“Currently, 28% of the NSRI volunteers are women, a figure that reflects South Africa’s leadership in promoting gender inclusion within the maritime rescue sector. Compared to similar organisations internationally, this level of female participation is significant,” said Vonk.
What are your thoughts on the work these courageous women do?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
