Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart visited St John Cymru Ferryside Lifeboat crew yesterday (Thursday 20 February) following the announcement of a £1 million UK Government funding boost for search and rescue teams.
The £1 million boost, confirmed by Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps, will benefit 50 charities across the UK, funding essential search and rescue equipment.
During his visit, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart heard how the Ferryside Lifeboat crew will use the £40,000 of UK Government funding to purchase new communications devices and a launch vehicle. The crew explained how the new equipment will allow them to boost their ability to search for missing people in water and rescue those who are stranded.
“Our rescue boat teams carry out vital work to keep our rivers, lakes and inshore areas safe.
These inspirational charities and their dedicated volunteers save lives every day, and this additional funding will ensure that they have the craft, equipment, and resources to provide these services year-round."Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps
“Volunteer and charitable organisations across Wales work selflessly 24/7 to provide lifesaving support during emergencies. We only have to look at the ongoing rescue operation across Wales to see just how important these organisations are in protecting our communities.
I am therefore delighted to see Welsh services benefitting from the latest round of UK Government funding. This money will ensure that the Ferryside Lifeboat crew and North Wales Mountain Rescue Association have the equipment they need to continue delivering life-saving services.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart
“We’re delighted to have the support of the UK Government to help our team of volunteers in Ferryside to continue their lifesaving work.
Working on the water is incredibly tough and the exposure to the elements, coupled with the nature of the role means the lifecycle of equipment is short.
Ensuring our volunteers are properly equipped to perform their roles is of uttermost importance and this newest round of funding will really help us in supporting our volunteers so they can continue to be there for their local community and those who get into difficulty.”
St John Cymru, Chief Executive Officer, Helen Smith
“Our team of volunteers work incredibly hard to raise funding to help us to continue to provide vital services in our community. This grant is a huge boost which will enable us to save more lives across the Towy, Taf and Gwendraeth river estuaries and help us continue to be there when we are needed.”
St John Cymru Ferrysde Divisional Officer in Charge, Simon Lamble
The North Wales Mountain Rescue Association, has also been awarded over £31,000, which will be used to replace protective kit and purchase rescue equipment such as water rafts and sleds, improving the teams’ capabilities in the event of floods and water incidences.
Since launching in 2014, the Rescue Grant Boat Fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK.
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