Inshore rescue team receives funds boost to help save lives

FERRYSIDE Inshore Rescue is one of almost 60 volunteer search and rescue teams that will benefit from £1 million in government funding to allow them to buy the equipment they need to save lives.

The independent team of volunteers, who raise all the money to fund their training and rescue missions themselves, have received £63,984.06 for the purchase of a surf rescue boat, outboard engines and other rescue equipment including drysuits.

Also benefiting from the government windfall is Loughor Inshore Rescue which has been awarded £25,563.50 for the purchase of a hovercraft and ancillaries.

The inshore rescue teams were among four charities in Wales to benefit from the funding which combined totals £110,201.

The other two being North Wales Mountain Rescue Association and Porthcawl’s Rest Bay Lifeguard Club.

The department government’s for transport has revealed all 57 successful bids for the latest round of the Rescue Boat Grant Fund.

The scheme was launched in 2014 to provide £5 million over five years to independent search and rescue teams working on inland waterways.

Maritime minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Our rescue boat teams are the unsung heroes of the UK’s waterways. Their commitment and skill keeps people safe on and around our rivers, lakes and inshore areas.

“Lives have been saved as a result of this scheme and our additional funding will ensure that these tireless volunteers and charities can buy the craft, equipment, and other resources they need.”

UK Government Minister for Wales, Nigel Adams, said: “Congratulations to the four Welsh recipients of the Rescue Boat Grant Fund who continue to provide vital rescue services all over Wales.

“Every year we hear sto- ries of their courageous efforts to reach people in need of their help, and I hope this new injection of funding will enable them to be better prepared to face the elements and rescue more vulnerable or injured people whether on land or at sea.”

Over the previous four rounds of the scheme, 201 bids have been successful – helping a total of 98 volunteer search and rescue teams across the country. The money has already paid for 65 new boats in addition to launch vehicles, rafts, safety gear, and other costs to support rescue teams.

This year’s pot will fund 15 new boats and a hovercraft.

The bids for the latest round of funding were considered by an expert panel, chaired by officials and including representatives from Defra and the devolved administrations as well as expert advisers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and the Royal Yachting Association.