Rotary Club of Kenton on Sea
in partnership with the
National Sea Rescue Institute
On 15th November 2022, at meeting of the Rotary Club of Kenton on Sea, a proposal was made by a club member that we, as a club, look towards supporting the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). It was felt that an NSRI Satellite Station, situated in Kenton on Sea, would be of vital importance to, not only local residents within the precinct of Kenton on Sea, but also the villages of Bushman’s River, Boknes & Cannon Rocks. It would further offer a vital service to the holiday community as well as to the Diaz Deep Sea Angling Club which operates in the vicinity. It was noted that, over the past 3 years, several emergency incidents were reported in our area. These include drownings, vessel assistance and medivacs. The closest NSRI Station to Kenton on Sea is Station 11, based in Port Alfred. The response time from Port Alfred to Kenton on Sea, after receiving an emergency call, is 55 minutes.
On 18th November 2022, a steering committee was formed which included Rotary members as well as the NSRI Station 11 commander. It was agreed that the Rotary Club of Kenton on Sea would partner with the NSRI in support of raising funds to finance a Satellite Station. NSRI informed the committee that an amount of approx. R1 200 000 was needed to enable them to set up a fully functional, Kenton on Sea based, Satellite Station. NSRI also stated that, if Rotary could raise R500 000, they would be able to supply the balance.
Rotary went into overdrive and the first donation, an amount of R10 000, was received on 18th November. As pledges started coming in, a sign board was erected in Kenton on Sea, showing a “thermometer” which was updated as and when donations were received. On 18th December 2022 Rotary was able to hand over a cheque of R500 000, their committed amount! However, with the holiday season in full swing, the fundraising drive continued. Huge support from not only the local community, but also holiday makers, was received. By 20th January 2023 the total amount pledged was R1 020 000, R180 000 short of the total amount required! This remarkable generosity continued and by February we had amassed the targeted sum of R1 200 000.
A 12 metre container was donated by the Rotary Club of Port Alfred, at the cost of the transport. Orders were placed for a suitable “jetrib” rescue craft as well as a small 4×4 vehicle. The rescue boat, named Spirit of Kenton, arrived in time for the 2023 Easter period and was operational in Kenton on Sea over this period. A Suzuki 4×4 has subsequently been delivered and branded. NSRI is currently in the process of training locally based crew members. This will ensure that Station 11 B, Kenton on Sea, will be fully operational and sustainable.
