"With many of our beaches opening up again, those heading back to our sandy shores may have noticed splashes of pink at some rivers, dams and on the beach," says Sea Rescue.

The campaign 'Pink is for Buoys' aims to draw attention to the lifesaving pink rescue buoys that the NSRI has deployed to strategic areas, next to rivers, dams and the ocean across South Africa.

"The campaign is a double entendre," says the NSRI. "It tackles two issues with one buoy. Firstly, it challenges perceptions that the colour pink is traditionally reserved for girls, and secondly, by introducing a new colour buoy, the NSRI is forcing us to pay attention to the danger of drowning."

The pink buoys are part of a lifesaving water safety initiative by the NSRI. The pink colouring of the rescue buoy is designed to stand out in water and to provide emergency flotation. 

"The campaign aims to challenge our perceptions of the colour pink, to create awareness of the Pink Rescue Buoy project, as well as to encourage communities to treasure and protect the rescue buoys that have been donated to their communities," says Andrew Ingram, head of drowning prevention at the NSRI.

The campaign has three key messages that include:
  • '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, and
  • 'Lost buoy, lost life': Always leave the pink buoys where they belong. 
The NSRI has also recorded radio ads in five of the official languages. The radio ads target communities across the country. 

"Our life-saving buoys, found next to rivers, dams and oceans, are bright pink. Because in a sea of blue, you'll always see pink. Anyone can save a life with a pink buoy," according to the ad. 

The institute says that hundreds of drownings in South Africa each year are preventable, if only proper education, prevention initiatives and the right equipment were at hand.

"With the deployment of hundreds of pink rescue buoys across South Africa, it is our hope that these lifesaving buoys will save lives on South African waters this summer season and for years to come," adds Ingram. "The success of the project, however, depends on our communities."

"Without communities standing behind the project and teaching children that the pink rescue buoys should not be taken off their poles except in an emergency, we will not be able to save lives," Ingram says.

"We urge community members to become pink lifesavers by reporting any missing pink rescue buoys to our Emergency Operations Centre on 021 434 4011. Your report could save a life," says the NSRI.

"Water safety is a key pillar of our work and our initiatives would not be possible without the generous support of donors and sponsors and the commitment of our educators and the communities that welcome them," says Ingram. 

Ingram has also urged water users to immediately call the emergency numbers on the Pink Rescue Buoy sign, or 112 from their cell phone for help if someone is in danger of drowning.

Individuals who would like to sponsor a pink rescue buoy at a cost of R1 500 per a buoy, or would like to volunteer and assist us in protecting and maintaining the buoys, are encouraged to contact [email protected].

For more information, visit www.nsri.org.za. You can also follow the NSRI on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.