Funding available for lifeboat charities

This year's £1 million Rescue Boat Grant Fund is now open for applications.

This UK Government funding is open to search and rescue teams in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to buy new boats, engines or other equipment.

So far, the £6million scheme has paid for 82 new boats, more than 1,800 items of equipment for rescue operations and in excess of 5,000 items of crew kit to keep volunteers safe on missions.

Launching the fund on a visit to Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue Service, Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said:

"We want everyone to be safe on or around water, but occasionally people get into trouble.

"These charities do amazing work and I’ve seen first-hand how they help people in their hour of need.

"I’m proud that this fund has already helped more than 100 groups buy the vital boats and equipment they need to rescue those in need. I want to see even more people benefit from this fund this year."

​For more information on the fund visit the UK Government website.