In addition to performing water rescues along the South African coast, the NSRI oversees outreach programs and activities to help the public stay safe while boating or swimming. Since 2006, the organization has conducted its WaterWise Academy, an education program that teaches lessons on water safety and emergency preparedness to students in disadvantaged communities.
Each year, WaterWise Academy instructors visit classrooms across South Africa to deliver interactive presentations on how to avoid risks near the water and who to call in case of an emergency. The presentations also cover basic peer rescue and hands-on CPR techniques.
In the last decade, the NSRI has reached more than 1 million South African youths through WaterWise Academy and the work of 11 full-time and nine volunteer instructors. For more information about the program, visit www.nsri.org.za.