The grant from the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund provided essential operational support to Tees River Rescue. It is keeping their volunteer crews fueled, prepared, and ready to respond to emergencies on the water.
The Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund awarded a grant to Tees River Rescue in support of their ongoing mission of keeping river users safe. The funding is currently being used to facilitate regular patrols of the River Tees and maintain the independent inland lifeboat organisation’s vessels. Covering critical running costs such as fuel, the grant allows the team to continue their preventative presence on the water and respond immediately when called upon to assist the most vulnerable members of the community.
The vital role of preventative patrols
The ability to maintain a consistent presence can be the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy for a search and rescue organisation. The environment on the River Tees, and indeed on any body of natural water, is unpredictable. It means that risks to public safety are ever-present. Tees River Rescue patrols the river at peak times throughout the year, operating as a frontline safeguard. They provide not just emergency response, but proactive oversight to prevent accidents before they occur.
Rob Lynas, Trustee at Tees River Rescue, highlighted the significance of the funding in maintaining this operational readiness. “Being able to patrol offers preventative support to river users and the ability to ensure our boats are fueled and ready to go,” he said.
This state of readiness is key in the organisation’s work, but as a charity, this relies on the public, local businesses, and volunteers. Keeping lifeboats fueled and on the water requires funding. The support received from the Community Fund helped to remove this financial barrier, allowing the team to focus on their mission: making the Tees a safe place for all to enjoy.
A lifeline in times of crisis
The impact of the grant surpasses routine patrols. Funding has also been instrumental in allowing Tees River Rescue to undertake high-stakes missing people searches that take up significant resources and endurance. The search operations that take place when a person goes missing near or in the water are demanding, requiring boats and crews to be active for extended periods.
Rob Lynas noted that the funding is currently supporting these critical efforts: “It is still being used to fund patrols of the River Tees and has also included several searches for missing people.”
These operations are the most challenging aspect of river rescue work, and they prove just why it is so necessary. Whilst the team strives for a positive outcome in every expedition, the reality of water rescue is that this is sometimes impossible. Rob shared that one recent search did conclude in “a tragic outcome.” Even in these circumstances, the presence of a professional, well-equipped rescue team is vital for providing closure to families and supporting the wider emergency services network.
A commitment to the community
The phrase “ready to assist the most vulnerable” is an apt summary of the daily commitment made by Tees River Rescue. The volunteers deploy at the request of Cleveland Police, meaning boats must be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Missing people, injured animals, sinking boats, and missing paddle boarders are cases they regularly encounter, and the correct equipment allows them to cover as much ground as possible, as quickly as possible.
They see education as the key in reducing these accidents. The Tees River Rescue’s water safety programme is another component of their community outreach. Through school and community group visits, they deliver tailored presentations on water safety designed to empower people of all ages with the knowledge to stay safe around open water. The programme covers essential life-saving topics, such as danger signs to look out for self-rescue techniques. Prevention is better than cure, and awareness acts as the first line of defence against water-related tragedies.
By alleviating the burden of ongoing running costs, the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund has helped Tees River Rescue to keep up these community engagement sessions and quick call-outs. The work between Tees River Rescue and the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund reflects a shared dedication to the safety and resilience of the community. Those who serve and protect our communities often do so in the most challenging environments, and the river is no exception.
About the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund
Friends of Serve and Protect is an incorporated association established for the benefit of individuals, organisations and communities served by Serve and Protect Credit Union. Funded by the Friends of Serve and Protect Lottery, Reg No – 4866, the Community Fund was established in 2024 to provide funding for projects and initiatives that support the greater community good of those who Serve and Protect. From wellbeing spaces to helping injured keyworkers through rehabilitation, the Community Fund helps make a difference to those who need it.
Funding is open to Serve and Protect members and must be for the direct benefit of the Serve and Protect community. For more information, click here.
