Cumbria’s independent lifeboat services – including Maryport Rescue and Ulverston Inshore Rescue – have become founding members of a new national association.
The National Independent Lifeboat Association is a new charity which has been launched to assist the UK’s independent lifeboats and ensure the preservation of life on the water.
Maryport Rescue operates two lifeboats, an emergency rescue boat, flood rescue trailer and two Land Rover 110 Defenders. It has served the area for over 44 years.
While many of the UK’s lifeboats are operated and funded by the Royal National Lifeboat Association, there are around 46 independent organisations, run primarily by volunteers.
The new association was founded by MP Anthony Mangnall, following a visit to an independent lifeboat in his constituency of Totnes and South Devon. It has been recognised by the Department of Transport and UK Search and Rescue.
The association has already welcomed 29 members, and while they remain independent, the group will help them gain greater promotion nationally and access to working groups to share data and best practice. It also aims to achieve recognition by the UK SAR Operators Group, joining the likes of the RNLI, Lowland Rescue , Mountain Rescue England and Wales, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
