NEW government funds have been granted to independent lifeboats — with Freshwater and Sandown and Shanklin receiving thousands.

Freshwater Independent Lifeboat received £62,000 from the Department for Transport (DfT), and is busy putting it to good use.

The money will go towards a number of predefined projects which were submitted in September last year.

Many of the projects are centred around primary equipment and power plant renewal but the lifeboat crew will also benefit from new dry suits, replacing existing suits that have been repeatedly repaired or passed down from retired crew.

Ground crews have also been given new waterproof overalls, safety boots and high visibility jackets.

The grant also covered the purchase of a defibrillator for the D-Class lifeboat and a collapsible folding stretcher.

Rod Adams, principle fundraiser, said: “The grant is really important to us as it helps us with essential equipment renewal, whereas our normal fundraising supports the day-to-day running costs of the lifeboat throughout the year.

"It is only with the generous help from the DfT and similar grants that we were able to continue into a new decade with the necessary equipment and training to save lives at sea."

Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was thrilled to have received £15,116.

The grant will help the charity make modifications to the new Atlantic 75 boat, which is currently under construction.

The grant will also assist in purchasing new lifejackets, drysuits, man-over-board recovery system, radios and a rescue float.

All the items will help ensure the safety of the volunteer crew and members of the public when at sea or in danger.

Mark Birch, operations manager, said: "The lifeboat station is very grateful to the DfT for once again recognising the vital work our volunteer lifeboat crew carry out.

"Raising this amount of money by normal fundraising means would take a significant amount of time and effort.

"This grant once again allows us to replace outdated equipment and realise the benefits.”

UPDATE, 3pm: Ryde Inshore Rescue have announced they are 'happy and proud' to get £31,000 worth of DfT funding. 

A post on its Facebook page said the money will help them purchase a new defibrillator and oxygen bottle they can take with them when responding to calls, while keeping one in the station in case it is needed.

The rest of the money will help replace its RR2 4m rib, which the crew purchased second hand seven years ago, with a new 4.8m rib.

The Rescue team said: "A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to complete the paperwork to obtaining these grants and we are truly thankful to receive it."

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