TSITSIKAMMA NEWS - SANParks has bestowed a Kudu Award on the NSRI Storms River Station 46, based at the mouth of the Storms River.

The Kudu Award, in the stakeholder category, is the highest recognition from SANParks annually to celebrate the successes and contributions of individuals and groups in conservation management in South Africa.

The award was presented to Bruce Sandmann, NSRI's head of training, at a ceremony in Johannesburg on Thursday 27 November.

"The award celebrates our Storms River station's exceptional contribution to public safety and conservation through its close partnership with Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park," said NSRI media manager Andrew Ingram.

Rugged rescue environment
Charles Hutchins, station commander at NSRI Station 46, said the award was not just for the crew on the ground. "It's for every person who has helped make this Sea Rescue station a success. We are a small team of volunteers, mostly professional river guides and SANParks rangers, working in one of the most rugged rescue environments in South Africa. But we are backed by a much bigger family."

The award citation highlighted the ways in which NSRI Storms River has made a meaningful difference in Tsitsikamma. The station plays a critical role in coastal search and rescue operations, particularly along the rugged coastline where joint NSRI and SANParks rescues have saved lives.

Over the past 18 months, the station has responded to 37 incidents, many requiring helicopter support.

Beyond rescue operations, NSRI has supported SANParks' Kids in the Park programme at Nature's Valley, teaching 500 local children vital water safety skills and survival swimming, with the support of NSRI Plettenberg Bay and local lifeguards.

New chapter
"Our station's working relationship with SANParks is one of deep trust," said Hutchins. "They help us carry patients out of rugged trails, provide manpower on long rescues, and join us in educating the next generation."

NSRI Station 46 is on the cusp of a new chapter, with construction of its new rescue base nearing completion. Although the buildings have not yet been handed over, the two boathouses are almost ready.

Hutchins said the team was hopeful that this national recognition would help accelerate efforts to finalise and secure a permanent home for the station, a development that would greatly enhance its operational readiness and community outreach.

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