Money Matters

Nith Inshore Rescue, as an independent charity not part of RNLI, are funded solely by the efforts of the crew themselves and the generosity of people and businesses in the local area, with occasional help from the local council and national bodies.

Although the crew clean the boat inside and out every time it is used, the salt water inevitably takes its toll of the equipment and something needs replaced each year. We are able to cover our general running costs but there is little left over for major repairs or renewal of worn-out equipment, so support through donations and grants is vital to ensure our long-term survival.

We make every effort to equip the crew with the personal protective equipment they need such as dry suits, life jackets and safety helmets. We are indebted to local businesses who provide us with so many items at reduced cost, or even for free. Other firms, organisations and members of the public donate other equipment or money and we would like to extend our thanks to them all.

Money is also raised by collecting tins, a weekly Tote and various fund-raising events. A big "thank you" to Glencaple village shop and to everyone who takes part in the Tote.

Every year Nith Inshore Rescue retrieve life-belts and rescue poles from the River Nith and return them to the Council, saving the Council a good deal of money. In return, the Council have donated our current stretcher and VHF radios.

In 1997, Nith Inshore Rescue received a grant of £5,000 from the National Lottery Charities Board which went towards the cost of the third boat. The Council chipped in with another £4,000 on the recommendation of the then police chief who praised the Nith crew's role in search-and-rescue operations. A further National Lottery grant of £81,000 allowed us to refurbish the boat house and slipway in 2000.

A generous donation of £25,000 from the Order of St John is enabling us to buy our new boat in 2010.