LIFESAVING volunteers on the Severn Estuary have worked throughout the coronavirus lockdown to be there for people in emergencies.

During 2016, the Severn Area Rescue Association - or SARA - was given a bequest which funded a new purpose-built lifeboat.

The new boat fulfils the requirements of the rescue boat code of practice, meaning it is a declared asset with HM Coastguard and the first ever designated lifeboat to specifically serve the communities of Newport. 

The crew named the lifeboat in memory of the boat’s benefactor, Maureen Easton. 

The Maureen Easton has the latest technology onboard, including touch screen navigational systems, a reinforced hull to enable low water working, interchangeable fuel tanks to prolong search and rescue efforts, public address system and a MOD spec 50hp engine with a built-in post immersion restart system, capable of achieving 30 knots when fully crewed.

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Since placing the Maureen Easton on operational service back in October 2016, the lifeboat and its crew have responded to more than 60 emergency launch requests.

These include:

  • 17 incidents involving a person in the water
  • 33 involving persons in distress
  • 14 incidents relating to boats requiring assistance.

These figures do not include incidents involving inland water rescue such as flooding response and inland incidents like lake searches. 

SARA has provided a life-saving service since 1973 starting out from its base in Beachley, near Chepstow.

Since then, the charity has grown significantly and now operates from six bases across the Severn Estuary.

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SARA's operational area

Since 2014, their Newport team has specifically focussed on providing water rescue services on the river Usk near Newport and further afield on inland waterways throughout Gwent. 

They are typically called out between 20 and 30 times a year, with incidents including attending to a variety of water related emergencies ranging from searching for missing persons to responding to mayday calls requiring lifeboat assistance. 

Last year the crew were first on scene and rescued two persons trapped in a sinking vehicle that had entered flood water.

Last month the crew successfully located and rescued a member of the public who had fallen into a river, following several 999 calls received by the police. 

General manager Richard Dainty said: ”The demand on our service from partner agencies remains similar year on year, and like most, the Covid 19 pandemic has affected us in many ways.

"It resulted in us having to adapt our ways of workings to this ever-changing climate, including the review of non-essential training and how we adjusted to the inability to safely fundraise. 

"As a result, we have seen a significant reduction in our annual income, a proportion of which relies on the generosity of the public. 

"Our annual running costs remain around £9,000 per year and in some areas, costs have actively increased – this is through the rising cost of fuel for the lifeboat and critical PPE for our volunteer crews.

"We receive little government funding and have just a few sustained income streams. 

"It was only last month that we re-commenced bucket collections at some stores.
"This means the Newport team and other SARA stations now face a challenge of raising 12 months of income within three months."

To help balance the extra burden, SARA isreaching out to the businesses and communities of Gwent to help achieve a layer of financial protection.

"Our focus areas are, firstly, raising £6,000 to purchase a new engine for the Maureen Easton," Mr Dainty said.

"That will give another five years operational life and is a perfect opportunity for corporate sponsorship. 

"The second focus area is on monetary donations to help with our annual running costs.” 

In terms of joining the team, there is a short waiting list for operational crew and specialist members such as fundraisers, mechanics and radio operators are actively being sourced.  

If you can support the team in either a financial or voluntary capacity, or would like further details about our organisation, email info.newport@sara-rescue.org.uk