AN urgent appeal has been launched to find 600 supporters who will help keep Nith Inshore Rescue afloat.
The independent lifeboat charity, which covers Dumfries and the Upper Solway area, this week warned they are facing a ‘critical’ funding shortage that threatens their life-saving operations.
And they desperately need individuals and companies to sign up to small, regular donations averaging just £5 per month.
Chairman Laurie Irving said: “We are facing a critical funding shortage that could jeopardise our life-saving operations. We urgently appeal to our community to join hands with us, show their support, and help us continue our vital work.
“Every donation matters and has the power to save lives at sea and in our inland waters. We operate with three deployable lifeboats to inshore/inland incidents, often in dangerous or difficult situations.
Treasurer Gwilym Gibbons explained their running costs are £35,000 and that includes insurance, the pager system, electric, gas, equipment and supplies. He said: “I would like to thank all those who continue to donate and support us. The individuals and companies who make regular donations, and in particular St Michael’ Services and Premier Taxes who donate fuel for our boats and vehicles, without your support we would not be here today.
“Regrettably, in recent years we have seen like many charities a 40 per cent drop in donations and a significant rise in running costs due to inflation pressures and ageing equipment requiring additional maintenance.
“We are actively seeking grant support to replace our ageing Land Rover and undertake a major refit of St John, our larger lifeboat, to ensure we stay safe and on service, as well all reduce costs of maintenance.”
Launching the urgent appeal, he added: “A monthly donation of between just £2 and £8 by around 600 individuals and companies will cover all our annual running costs.”
Nith Inshore Rescue is based at Glencaple and is run by highly trained volunteers dedicated to saving lives at sea and inland waters. They respond to emergencies and keep the waters safe for fishermen, sailors, and beachgoers.
They have been running 24/7 for 40 years and had 600 callouts in that time.
Gwilym added: “Donating to Nith Inshore Rescue not only supports immediate rescue efforts but also strengthens the overall safety infrastructure of our coastal community. It is an investment in safeguarding the lives of fishermen, sailors, beachgoers, and all who rely on the unfailing vigilance of Nith Inshore Rescue’s dedicated volunteers.”
n To make a donation go to www.nithrescue.org.uk and follow the link to their JustGiving page. Alternatively, email them at [email protected] for more information
