£5 million to support water rescue

New support for charities keeping waterways safe

Transport Minister John Hayes today announced £5 million funding to support the work of the life-saving charities that run rescue boats on rivers, lakes and other inland waterways.
Charities around the UK are set to benefit from the money which will go towards enhancing the resources available to improve safety on the water.

John Hayes said:
“Common wisdom may have it that worse things happen at sea, but it is imperative that our rivers, lakes and estuaries are as safe as possible for those who take to the water.
“Britain benefits from countless volunteer and charitable organisations working round the clock to help during emergencies on inland waters, as well as during flooding and other extreme weather.

“The funding I am announcing today will ensure their tireless efforts are supported by the best equipment and save more lives.”
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said:
“Our volunteers are the backbone of our society. At Budget, this government announced that we would support the tremendous work of the charities keeping our waterways safe. And so today I can confirm that these charities can now apply for financial support from the £5m that has been set aside to make sure they have the best equipment necessary to provide emergency support.

This will be a huge boost to both those who bravely volunteer their services and to those who they assist, particularly when faced with incredibly challenging conditions such as extreme weather and flooding. Supporting our volunteers remains an integral part of this government’s ongoing drive for a fairer society.”
The Inshore and Inland Lifeboat Grant Scheme will run over the next five years, with £1 million available in each financial year.
Organisations will be able to bid for funding to support their work and have until 31 December to submit their bids for 2014-15. Bids will only be accepted by UK charities as defined in the Charities Act 2006.

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