East Sutherland Rescue Association leader Neil Dalton takes on chairmanship of new national independent lifeboat charity
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The leader of East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) has taken on a prominent new volunteer role with a newly established lifeboat charity, it has been announced.
Neil Dalton, co-founder of ESRA, which is celebrating its 40th year, has been named as chairman of the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA).
The organisation has been launched to support the UK’s independent lifeboat services.
Around 46 independent organisations operate along the coastline and on inland waterways across the UK. They are primarily run by volunteers and funded by local donations.
Mr Dalton said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of chairman of NILA. The organisation is, in my opinion, long overdue and has the potential to offer great support to many independent lifeboats around the UK.
“Many members of the public assume that this water safety role is entirely the province of the RNLI, who provide an outstanding service.
“However, many areas of the UK are served by independent lifeboats so NILA intends to raise awareness of these organisations.”
NILA has already welcomed 29 members, each of which work closely with their local coastguard teams, police force and fire service.
Totnes and South Devon MP Anthony Mangnall worked with Parliamentary colleagues and industry experts to found NILA which will represent independent lifeboat services in Parliament, promote them nationally and gain access to working groups where data and best practice is shared.
Mr Mangnall said NILA would support “those incredible volunteers who do so much to help others”.
NILA has been recognised by the Department of Transport and UK Search and Rescue.
ESRA celebrated the opening by Lord Cadogan earlier this year of the new Cadogan Lifeboat Station in Dornoch. The £500,000 new build was largely funded by Lord Cadogan.
And ESRA is now awaiting delivery of a new 8.5 metre boat, purchased with funding from Danish tycoon Anders Holch Polvsen’s company Wildland Ltd.
An ESRA spokesman said: “The new boat is expected to undergo sea trails at Dorset in November and will possibly be delivered to Dornoch in December.”
