UK inshore lifeboat and rescue boat charities to benefit from £1 million government grant scheme
Lifeboat charities are being invited to bid for part of a £1 million fund supporting water rescue services in local communities.
The second year of the Inshore and Inland Rescue Boat Grant scheme launched today (19 October 2015), giving voluntary rescue groups nationwide a chance to secure funding for new lifesaving equipment.
The scheme was first launched by the UK government in 2014 to offer vital financial support to charitable organisations that exist to help people in danger when around inland water and during extreme weather conditions.
Maritime Minister Robert Goodwill said:
This funding supports the vital around-the-clock rescue service offered by charities on our rivers, lakes and inshore areas.
I urge charities to bid for the grants so they can receive brand new equipment and further resources to boost their work as they continue to save lives.
The grant money can be used to buy lifejackets, rafts and other safety equipment, as well as going towards training and other costs to support the charities’ ongoing lifesaving efforts.
In January, more than £800,000 was shared between 21 charities across the UK who have used the money to pay for vital safety equipment that have made local waterways safer.
In deciding who will receive funding, an expert panel will judge bids on:
- how the equipment or training will be used to support lifesaving, search and rescue operations and flood response capability locally and nationally
- whether the funding will deliver wider community benefits, and
- how the equipment and skills will being sustainable benefits
The successful applicants will be announced in the new year.
Charities have until 30 November 2015 to submit their bids to the Department for Transport, which is running the scheme in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and devolved administrations.
Read further information about how to apply under the 2015 to 2016 scheme, and eligibility requirements.
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