MOSSEL BAY NEWS - People are stealing the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) pink buoys stationed at beaches.
If you see someone stealing a pink buoy or know of people who have them at home, report them to the police or the NSRI in Mossel Bay (082 990 5954).
These buoys are used to rescue people drowning in the surf.
When the Mossel Bay Advertiser contacted the NSRI station commander in Mossel Bay, André Fraser, he said that only two weeks ago the pink buoy at the beach in Hartenbos had been stolen.
"If you steal one of these buoys, you are in effect stealing a life," Fraser points out.
The buoy at Diaz Beach has been stolen twice, so the NSRI will not be replacing it now. It cannot keep replacing buoys at spots where they are stolen repeatedly.
The pink buoy on the beach at De Vette Mossel restaurant between Reebok and Greak Brak was stolen in August last year. This one has been replaced.
Fraser said: "It is costly and inconvenient to replace the buoys." The NSRI relies on donations and the installations of the buoys cost R1 500 each.
Nationally, the NSRI has started a publicity campaign to try to prevent the theft of pink buoys. It is called "Pink is for Buoys" and includes radio advertisements and posters with pictures of the buoys, with catchy slogans.
"The distinctive pink colouring of the rescue buoy is designed to stand out in water and provide emergency flotation," the NSRI states in its national media release.
If someone is in trouble, immediately call the emergency numbers on the pink rescue buoy sign, or dial 112 from a cellphone.
Should you wish to sponsor a pink buoy at a cost of R1 500, or would like to volunteer and assist in protecting and maintaining the buoys, email pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za.
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