Every major ocean event relies on preparation behind the scenes. At the Port Alfred Easter Festival 2026, that responsibility will rest firmly with Port Alfred’s NSRI Station 11. From the first grom heat to the final QS siren, the team will operate as a constant presence on the water.
Over four days of competition, they will provide active water safety oversight at both the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest, as well as the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup. Their role will remain clear. They will prevent incidents where possible and respond immediately when required.
Water Safety at the Rip Curl GromSearch
The Rip Curl GromSearch is a Surfing South Africa event and will include U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions, with some competitors as young as 10 years old. Consequently, the role of NSRI Station 11 will be invaluable.
With young surfers competing in live ocean conditions, the safety framework will carry additional responsibility. Crew members will position rescue craft in the impact zone and maintain direct radio contact with contest officials, beach marshals and Surfing South Africa representatives.
If a young surfer takes a heavy wipeout, loses equipment or drifts into a rip current, the response will be immediate and controlled. Their presence will reassure parents and coaches on the beach. While the groms focus on heats and scores, the safety team will focus on structured risk management and continuous observation. That system will allow high-level junior competition to unfold in a secure environment.
Supporting the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup
As the festival shifts into the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup, the operational tempo will increase. This World Surf League QS 4,000 men’s and QS 2,000 women’s event will attract experienced competitors who will push performance standards in solid surf.
NSRI Station 11 will integrate into WSL safety protocols and formal pre-event briefings. Rescue craft will remain crewed and ready throughout competition hours, with positioning adjusted according to real-time ocean conditions.
Because QS events often run in demanding surf, rapid intervention capability will remain essential. The team will prepare for high-speed collisions, extended hold-downs and physical exhaustion scenarios. Their readiness will ensure elite competition can proceed within a disciplined safety structure.
Extending Across All Ocean Events
In addition to the two headline surf contests, NSRI Station 11 will also be present at the Bodyboarding Tournament and the Granny Grommets session, two further ocean-based events forming part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival programme.
This expanded footprint will ensure consistent safety oversight across multiple age groups and disciplines. From elite QS athletes to first-time ocean participants, every competitor will benefit from the same professional safety presence.
In practical terms, NSRI Station 11 will form the safety backbone of the festival’s ocean component. Their professionalism will enable performance. Their preparedness will protect athletes and their presence will make the entire surf and ocean programme possible.
More information
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