The NSRI says rising petrol and diesel prices are straining its volunteer training, rescue readiness, and community water safety programmes.
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The NSRI says rising petrol and diesel costs put pressure on volunteer training, rescue readiness, and community water safety programmes.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says soaring global fuel prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, are placing growing strain on its ability to train volunteer crews and deliver lifesaving services.
While the organisation remains committed to responding to emergencies, rising fuel costs are expected to ripple through the systems that make rescues possible, including crew training, rescue craft readiness, response vehicles, and water safety programmes in disadvantaged communities.
“We will never stop responding to emergencies,” NSRI CEO Mike Vonk said. “But if fuel costs rise sharply, the pressure moves into the systems that keep our crews ready and our prevention work active, helping to save lives before emergencies happen.”
NSRI’s latest reporting shows annual boat running costs exceeding R5.5 million. With fuel prices projected to climb further, the organisation faces significant additional operational costs.
“To manage this responsibly, we are tightening fuel use, prioritising critical operations, and refining training to ensure every session delivers maximum value,” Vonk said.
Training remains vital for the safety and effectiveness of NSRI’s volunteer crews, who operate in challenging and unpredictable conditions. At the same time, the organisation’s water safety and survival swimming programmes, which aim to prevent drownings, are also affected by operational costs.
“Fuel doesn’t just power our boats,” Vonk added. “It powers every part of our ability to save lives —from training and readiness to prevention in communities.”
Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager, echoed the concern. “There will always be fuel for rescues. That is non-negotiable,” he said. “But people may not realise how much fuel increases will affect a non-profit like ours, and those increases ripple through our training, prevention, and readiness.”
Despite the pressures, NSRI emergency response capacity remains fully protected.
Supporters can assist the NSRI at https://bit.ly/NSRI-Support-Us. For emergencies, the NSRI can be reached at 087 094 9774 or dial 112 from any mobile phone.