As a crew member of an independent lifeboat I would like to plug something close to my heart and something that is lifesaving. This year it is FEB 10TH and 11TH.
I know not many of you are coastal but you still may have significant rivers around you also!
For one day only the Independent Lifeboat Crews of the United Kingdom will be joining forces to raise awareness for the lifeboat stations that operate outside the auspices of the RNLI.
Throughout the UK there are around 60 lifeboat units that are not run by the RNLI and every year their volunteer crews respond to pager callouts in an identical way to the RNLI crews. Training is to the same high standard and all rescue craft must adhere to the same strict code as the RNLI.
There is only one major difference. Unlike the RNLI the independent units do not have a large organisation backing them. The people seen out on the boats and in the watch room windows are the whole team. Not only do they respond to emergencies at sea and on the shores nearby, they are also responsible for their own fundraising, training and maintenance of equipment. If something breaks it is up to those present to work out how to fix it.
The Independent Units within the UK have existed for many years and need support to continue to operate to the same high standards for which they have become known. Often mistaken for the RNLI, the work of these units can go unnoticed and the public will donate to the RNLI thinking the money is going towards their local Independent Unit.
The Independent Units hope is that by all celebrating on the same day, they can highlight the number and contribution of non-RNLI units around the country. Everybody who has an Independent lifeboat unit near them is urged to join in with the day by wearing something orange or holding an ‘orange’ fundraising event for their local lifeboat unit.
If you wish to donate but dont have a local lifeboat I would be more than happy to donate to the station I am involved withs just giving page.
