Lifeboat charities to receive £1 million grant boost
Lifeboat charities encouraged to bid for part of £1 million support fund.
Local rescue services will benefit from £1 million in funding to help ensure the safety of water users across the UK.
The money, made available by the ‘Inshore and inland rescue boat grant scheme’, can be used to purchase lifesaving equipment, such as boats, life jackets and safety gear.
Maritime Minister John Hayes 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.
Since its launch in 2014, the scheme has made a real difference to local rescue services, having helped over 80 charities in their role to assist those in danger on and around our waterways.
Earlier this year, Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards used a lifeboat funded by the grant scheme to save the lives of those on board 2 different vessels off the coast of Portsmouth.
Charities have until 6 September to submit their bids to the Department for Transport, which is running the scheme with advice from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Royal Yachting Association and devolved administrations.
Read about how to apply under the 2017 to 2018 scheme and eligibility requirements.
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