Independent lifeboats are profound organisations, with their foundations rooted in community goodwill and altruism. They are the unsung heroes of Britain’s coastline. Often when people think of saving lives at sea, they think of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), an organisation with 200 years of history, courage and bravery. Independent lifeboats do not have the same recognition as the RNLI, yet their service is no less vital. They are fundamental to saving lives at sea.
Around the UK there are around 80 independent lifeboats, many of them part of the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) which was founded by the former Member of Parliament for Totnes, Anthony Magnall. NILA is a fantastic organisation, providing a collective voice for independent lifeboats. NILA has done some extraordinary work to help raise the profile of independent lifeboats, however there is still further to go. As it stands, independent lifeboats receive no Government support. Their crucial work solely depends on local donations, causing significant financial strain on their operations.
A lack of recognition means independent lifeboats often miss out recruitment opportunities and donations, causing greater financial strain, even though they save 25-30% of lives on Navigable Waters. NILA have secured a probational seat on the UK’s Search and Rescue Operators Group which is a fantastic step forward in helping independent lifeboats to be included in national frameworks and involved in policy shaping. However, we need to go further. NILA needs a permanent seat in this group, to provide a stable representation for these vital services and to ensure that when national standards are revised, they are inclusive to the needs of independent lifeboats.
Sadly, a lack of recognition is one of the many challenges that independent lifeboats face. Funding is a serious issue. Their dependency on local donations significantly impacts their full capabilities. In my own constituency, the local Hamble lifeboats are in desperate need of being replaced, however it is estimated to cost around £1 million! Naturally that could take years for a community to raise – their maintenance already averages at around £90k a year. Yet my local lifeboat, like all lifeboats (independent or not) are extremely important to keep our coastal communities safe and save lives at sea.
Hamble lifeboat operates in the Solent – one of the busiest waterways in the world – and along the Hamble River which has its own unique challenges due to high tides and obstacles. It was the busiest lifeboat in both 2023 & 2024 with over 230 call outs. However, many lifeboats, including my local one would greatly benefit from a level of Government support. Under the last government, the Rescue Boat Grant Fund donated £5.7 million to over 100 charities, helping to support the upgrading of crew equipment, upgrading vessels and communication mechanisms. And this isn’t a political point, I don’t shy away from this fund also being discontinued under the previous government, a decision of which I deeply regret. But I believe strong cross-party support and some level of Government funding towards independent lifeboats will ensure quicker and safer operations and symbolise the recognition they so truly deserve.
The make-up of these independent lifeboats involve so many different people, who all provide a tremendous service to keep these organisations running. Not only do we have the brave and courageous volunteers who put on their gear and rush out to sea, regardless of the conditions – we also have the team who spend their weekends trying to collect donations to fund the operations. Independent lifeboats are a fantastic example of the strength and resilience of community.
It was very important to me to bring the important topic of support for independent lifeboats to Parliament on the 29th. It is something I, along with Members across the House have brought up on numerous occasions, and I will continue to rally support for these profound organisations.
Axing the Rescue Boat Grant Fund was a mistake, which Labour with cross-party support should correct
