Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has urged lifeboat and rescue services charities in Mid-Cornwall to apply for new government funding as part of a scheme to help teach essential water rescue skills.
Earlier this week the Department for Transport announced that £1 million of grants is being made available through the ‘Inshore and inland rescue boat grant scheme’, which allows lifesaving charities and organisations to purchase new equipment, boats and safety gear.
Over the previous years, grants totalling £2.6 million have been awarded to organisations across the UK, including Cornwall. In 2016 the Cornwall Search and Rescue team, based in Roche was awarded nearly £15,000 of funding for rescue equipment and training.
Commenting, Steve said:
“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country where we are surrounded by the sea, rugged coastline and countryside. Locals and tourists get to enjoy our natural surroundings in all sorts of ways, but we also know this can be dangerous at times.”
“Our Cornish rescue services do a great job, as we saw recently at Coverack and I am pleased that the Government is releasing additional funding to improve the valuable services they provide.”
“I urge all lifeboat charities and rescue services in Mid-Cornwall to apply for this funding and will certainly welcome anyone who wants to get in touch with my office for further information or for me to support their applications.”
Commenting, Maritime Minister John Hayes MP said:
“We value and support the lifesaving work that goes on every day by our dedicated local waterway rescue services. Their commitment and skills keep our rivers, lakes and inshore areas safe.”
“The additional funds provided by the scheme will ensure that these tireless volunteers and charities can get the boats, equipment and other resources they need to provide round-the-clock lifesaving services.”
Charities have until 6 September to submit their bids to the Department for Transport. Details on how to apply for funding can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lifeboat-charities-to-receive-1-million-grant-boost