The Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated £5 million in funding to a variety of inland water safety charities. A minimum of £1 million per year will be distributed to help maintain consistency for the services.

The money is intended to improve safety records on bodies of water across the country. The allocations were made public by shipping minister John Hayes, who made the announcement on January 29th.

Mr Hayes said: “As an island nation the safety of our waters is paramount and our water rescue charities work tirelessly around the clock to save lives and protect the public from harm. Therefore I am pleased to announce the winners of this new fund that will support our hard working volunteers in this vital task.”

The charities selected are based in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They include Poole Lifeboats, Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service and Port William Inshore Rescue Service, among many others.