Zululand Observer - Monday

Help Brynn float swimming programme

- Tamlyn Head

AS the NSRI aims to help save lives by teaching the survival skill of swimming, a Richards Bay resident has taken the plunge and launched a fundraisin­g campaign to assist.

Having been an NSRI volunteer crew member at Station 19 in Richards Bay for 23 years, the organisati­on is close to Brynn Gericke’s heart, and she aims to raise

R500 000 for the NPO’s Survival Swimming Centre programme.

Her goal is to raise this in time for her 50th birthday in May, and hand over the cheque as her gift to the NSRI.

“The NSRI has long since been involved in education and drowning prevention initiative­s, and these Survival Swimming Centres bring a much-needed resource to outlying areas where there are few safe environmen­ts for people to learn a very necessary life skill - being able to swim,” said Gericke.

“By donating to this project, you can directly contribute to providing a survival swimming centre in an underprivi­leged community.

“Every donation counts, no matter how big or small, and will make a significan­t impact on ensuring the safety of those who enjoy our beautiful oceans and inland waters.”

Last year, the NSRI won silver for its Survival Swimming Centre initiative in the Interior Design and Temporary Structures category at The Loeries - an NPC that recognises and rewards creative excellence in the brand communicat­ion industry across Africa and the Middle East.

Being recognised at these prestigiou­s awards

is one of the highest accolades for innovation across the region.

About the programme

Launched in 2020, the NSRI’s Survival Swimming programme has given in excess of 11 000 people survival swimming lessons, both adults and children, with five

mobile Survival Swimming Centres planted countrywid­e.

NSRI drowning prevention manager Andrew Ingram envisions the programme reaching every community in need in South Africa.

In time, this could mean over 1 000 remotely managed centres, with the programme becoming a business unit with a self-sustaining

network.

Port Shepstone is home to the first NSRI Survival Swimming Centre in KZN, and Brynn’s fundraisin­g goal realised will mean more.

To donate, visit her GivenGain page: www. givengain.com/project/brynn-raising-fundsfor-nsri-national-sea-rescue-institute-70430

 ?? ?? Brynn Gericke
There are five NSRI Survival Swimming Centres across the country, and Brynn Gericke’s fundraisin­g efforts will help add to the number
Brynn Gericke There are five NSRI Survival Swimming Centres across the country, and Brynn Gericke’s fundraisin­g efforts will help add to the number

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