Lifesaving South Africa needs some saving

The lives of hundreds of bathers at beaches along the country's coastline may be at risk following the shock announcement that Lifesaving South Africa's rescue helicopter service has been grounded. This means that the country's coastline is without a dedicated rescue helicopter service.

All year around, bathers flock to beaches along the coastline. They put their trust in lifeguards like these who watch vigilantly for any signs of trouble. But its the eyes in the sky which are able to respond quickly to trouble - to get to unpatrolled beaches and pinpoint missing people in the water. "Over the December season, we saved 30 lives and assisted a further 172 people that found themselves in difficulty. So it is a valuable service," said James Ross, from Lifesaving South Africa.

A service which has come to an end. This rescue helicopter was one of five across the country. Now none of them are operating after Lifesaving SA's contract with a cellphone company came to an end - a situation with dire consequences. This can represent a delay in finding and rescuing people and ultimately lead to people dying before assistance can be recieved.

Lifesaving South Africa admits it might not be able to save lives of people in distress. It doesn't want to sow alarm, but believes it might be necessary to do so to raise awareness of its plight. A plight which depends on generous benefactors providing four million rand to keep the service afloat.