Following the confirmed cases of people who have drowned in South Africa, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has launched their Pink is for Buoys campaign which draws attention to the lifesaving pink rescue buoys that the NSRI has deployed to strategic areas, next to rivers, dams and the oceans across the country.
Andrew Ingram, head of Drowning Prevention at the NSRI, said the campaign aims to challenge perceptions of the colour pink, to create awareness of the pink rescue buoy project, and encourage communities to treasure and protect the rescue buoys that have been donated to their communities.
“Over 750 pink buoys have been installed and 64 lives have been saved using a pink rescue buoy since the project’s inception in November 2017.We hope that the lifesaving buoys will save more lives on South African waters this season and for years to come,” he said.
The buoys are bright pink so they can be easily spotted on the water by responding emergency services. A unique location number can also be found on the signposts, so that crucial minutes can be saved for emergency services to help those who are at risk of drowning.
The campaign has three key messages:
Pink is for Buoys – The pink buoy initiative has saved countless lives. If someone is drowning, think pink.
Missing Buoys – A stolen buoy is a stolen life.
Lost buoy, lost life – Always leave the pink buoys where they belong.
Ingram said with the deployment of hundreds of pink rescue buoys across South Africa
“The success of the pink rescue buoy project, however, depends on our communities. Without communities standing behind the project and teaching children that the buoys should not be taken off their poles except in an emergency, we will not be able to save lives,” added Ingram.
Should you wish to sponsor a pink rescue buoy or would like to volunteer and assist in protecting and maintaining the buoys, please contact pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za
