Lifeboat charities to receive £1 million

Local rescue services will benefit from £1 million grant boost to help ensure safety of water users across the UK.

Made available by the ‘Inshore and inland rescue boat grant scheme’, the money can be used to buy lifesaving equipment, such as life jackets, safety gear and boats.

The scheme has helped over 80 charities since its launch in 2014.

Earlier this year, Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards used a lifeboat funded by the scheme to save the lives of those on board two different vessels near the coast of Portsmouth.

The scheme is being run by the Department for Transport, with advice from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Royal Yachting Association and devolved administrations.

Charities have until 6 September to submit their bids.

John Hayes, Maritime Minister, said: “We value and support the lifesaving work that goes on every day by our dedicated local waterway rescue services. Their commitment and skills keep our rivers, lakes and inshore areas safe.

“The additional funds provided by the scheme will ensure that these tireless volunteers and charities can get the boats, equipment and other resources they need to provide round-the-clock lifesaving services.”