The East London NSRI has called the recent theft of two of their Pink Rescue Buoys “concerning” and is asking for public support to ensure their return.
According to the NSRI, the buoys were removed from their poles in Bonza Bay and Kobb Inn some time after 5pm on Monday, when the lifeguards were not on duty.
“The Pink Rescue Buoys are public rescue equipment which are sponsored by individuals and businesses in the interest of saving lives,” said NSRI drowning prevention manager Andrew Ingram.
They were first rolled out in November 2017 as part of the NSRI’s National Drowning Prevention Campaign.
The colour pink was chosen specifically because it is highly visible on the water.
Ingram said the buoys are designed to assist both rescuers and drowning victims.
“This bright pink float can be used by strong swimmers who are trained to help someone during a rescue, or it can be thrown to a person in danger of drowning while someone else calls for help,” he said.
Each buoy comes with a sign that includes important information such as the NSRI’s emergency contact details and a unique location number to assist in rescue.
To date, over 1,100 Pink Buoys have been installed around the country.
Ingram warned that theft of the buoys could put swimmers at serious risk.
“Removing a Pink Buoy from a pole for any reason other than a rescue may cost somebody their life,” he said.
Ingram appealed to whoever removed the Pink Buoys from their poles to return them immediately, and asked anyone with relevant information to contact the NSRI at either pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za or over the dedicated Pink Rescue Buoy WhatsApp at 079-802-6773.