Safeguarding the future of safer seas

Friday, 15 March 2013

Support for a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to sea rescue missions has received a lifeline from Hampshire County Council.

At his Decision Day (14 March 2013), Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, awarded funding of £41,500 to the Solent Sea-Rescue Organisation.

The charity was established by the County Council in 1977, in partnership with local maritime authorities, to assist in sea rescues on the foreshore of the Solent and surrounding beaches.

It brings together eight independent lifeboat and rescue organisations, provides beach safety, as well as attending inland incidents. The organisation also gives regular sea and water safety talks to local community groups.

The funding will be used to cover the general running costs of the organisation.

Councillor Thornber, said: "The Solent is recognised as one of the busiest waterways in the world and there are a number of obvious dangers it poses. It is therefore disappointing that some local authorities have chosen to withdraw their funding to an organisation that does such exceptionally good work in keeping Hampshire's waters safe.

"Despite the ongoing financial pressures faced by all in the public sector, we recognise that the Solent Sea-Rescue Organisation provides a vital service to all users of the Solent and we have chosen to fund the financial shortfall they would otherwise have faced."

• Solent Sea Rescue Organisation

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