Sally-Ann is proud to support the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), a new charity which has been launched to assist the UK’s independent lifeboats and to ensure the preservation of life on the water. One of the founding members of the NILA is Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat in Hastings and Rye.
While many of the UK’s lifeboats are operated and funded by the Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI), there are 46 independent lifeboat organisations that operate along the coastline and on inland waterways across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These independent lifeboats are run primarily (if not entirely) by volunteers and funded by local donations. They provide an invaluable service to their local communities and save thousands of lives each year.
NILA was founded by Anthony Mangnall MP following a visit to an independent lifeboat in his constituency of Totnes and South Devon. This visit highlighted the essential work of the UK’s independent lifeboats as well as the many challenges they face including funding, public awareness and long-term support. He has worked with colleagues in Parliament such as Sally-Ann, as well as industry experts, to form the charity, and this will now be able to offer independent lifeboats the support and recognition they need.
NILA has already welcomed twenty-nine members from all four nations, each of which work closely with their local Coastguard team, Police force or Fire service. The association’s official launch took place at the Emergency Services Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd September, where NILA had a stand and members attended the first AGM.
Members of NILA will retain their independence while enjoying benefits including greater representation in Parliament, promotion nationally, and access to working groups where data and best practice is shared. The association also aims to achieve recognition by the UK SAR Operators Group, joining the likes of the RNLI, Lowland Rescue (ALSAR), Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MR-EW), and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS).
The Department for Transport has previously confirmed it is supportive of the NILA while the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has also welcomed the new Association too.
Commenting on the NILA, Sally-Ann said:
“Last year I visited the Pett Level Independent Rescue Lifeboat team to hear more about the vital work they do to keep everyone safe, and today I am very pleased to be supporting the launch of the National Independent Lifeboat Association of which they are a founding member.
Independent lifeboat stations such as at Pett Level are primarily run by fantastic local volunteers and they and the new Association have my wholehearted support moving forwards.”