Ferryside Lifeboat is excited to announce the formation of its own Charitable Trust to better serve the Search and Rescue needs of those using the waters of Carmarthen Bay and the surrounding area.
Following long and fruitful discussions with its parent organisation, St John Ambulance Cymru, it has been agreed by both parties that, to better serve their core objectives, it would be mutually beneficial for Ferryside Marine Division, St John Ambulance Cymru, (Ferryside Lifeboat) to separate from the wider SJ family and move forward as a separate entity.
For Ferryside Lifeboat, this will mean becoming an independent lifeboat organisation, but for those it serves, the intention is that there will be a seamless transition with no discernible difference in on-water operations. Throughout this process, Ferryside Lifeboat will continue to provide a 24 hour a day, 365-day a year Search and Rescue service as a declared facility within HM Coastguard’s Search and Rescue remit.
St John Ambulance Cymru will continue to work with volunteers at Ferryside Lifeboat to ensure a smooth transition. The agreement between the parties will involve the transfer of vital assets including the lifeboats, 4×4 and trailer – and the first aid charity for Wales will continue to support Ferryside Lifeboat’s clinical governance and first aid training.
Ferryside Lifeboat has already engaged in discussions with representatives from our partner organisations in HMCG and the River Towy Yacht Club, and there will be open events announced in the coming weeks where Ferryside Lifeboat will invite members of the public to answer any questions they may have.
Lifeboat team members have been working to complete all the required steps to form a new charity, with the help of the Carmarthenshire Association of Volunteer Services and St John Ambulance Cymru, and an application has already been submitted to the Charity Commission.
St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive, Richard Lee said:
“We would like to thank the marine volunteers in Ferryside for their work. Their skills and capabilities are a one off within St John in the UK and the creation of a standalone charity which recognises their expertise will allow them and St John to concentrate on the core operational activity of both charities.
“We look forward to working with Ferryside Lifeboat to support the charity with casualty care training and clinical governance activities as it establishes itself.”
The new chair of Ferryside Lifeboat, Anthony Rees said:
“In 2035 our Ferryside Lifeboat will be celebrating its incredible 200-year anniversary. Through its history, the stewards of the boat have changed many times, but the boat has always remained – serving its community and honouring its promise to protect lives at sea.
“As we enter this next exciting chapter of Ferryside Lifeboat’s story, we know that our boat will continue to build its legacy and serve its community for many, many more years to come.”