The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) from Port Alfred Station 11 played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all participants during the Rip Curl GromSearch and the Rip Curl Cup. Both events were presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest. The competitions were the anchor events of the Port Alfred Easter Festival presented by Sunshine Coast Tourism. The NSRI crew’s technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment were instrumental in ensuring that the events were safe for competitors and spectators alike.
16 Members
The NSRI crew consisted of 16 members, including Rescue Coxswains, Rescue Swimmers, and Shore Crew, who worked tirelessly to ensure comprehensive coverage of the competition. Each day was split into two shifts of 4.5 hours each, with a crew complement for each shift, ensuring a well-coordinated and efficient operation.
Station Commander, Christopher Pike, sheds light on the monumental effort put forth by the NSRI crew during the four-day extravaganza. “We did all four days on the water,” confirms Pike, emphasizing the unwavering presence of the NSRI throughout the event.
“Days were split into 2 x 4.5hr shifts with each shift having a crew complement, ensuring a well-coordinated and efficient operation.”
Central to the NSRI’s operations during the competition was their state-of-the-art equipment, including the NSRI JetRib, a purpose-built vessel designed for surf and shallow waters. Pike explains, “The NSRI JetRib, a recipient of the IMRF Award for Innovation & Technology in Maritime SAR 2021, provided a stable platform, essential for maneuvering through the surf zone.”
Full PPE
The NSRI crew had full personal protective equipment (PPE), including wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and foul weather gear, making them equipped to handle any situation with utmost professionalism. They also had specialized rescue equipment, such as rescue boards and rescue tubes, which allowed them to quickly reach and assist surfers in distress.
Despite the competition’s challenging conditions, such as strong onshore winds and choppy waters, the NSRI crew’s resilience and proactive approach ensured that challenges were met head-on. They had anticipated most challenges and trained on them over the weeks leading up to the competition. From managing incoming vessels to monitoring surfers’ movements, the NSRI crew’s adaptability and quick thinking were instrumental in overcoming obstacles seamlessly.
The NSRI’s unwavering commitment to safety, coupled with their technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, ensured that the Port Alfred Easter Festival’s surf competition remained not only thrilling but also safe for all involved. The opportunity to contribute to the safety of participants and spectators alike left an indelible mark, with many expressing eagerness to participate again in the future.
