GAFIRS is an independent Inshore Rescue Service that was founded in 1969, the service provides free marine rescue cover in the Solent, from Portsmouth Harbour to Titchfield Haven. The crews are on call with HM Coastguard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Additionally the service is also available to the counties emergency services to respond to inland and other incidents.
Over the past few years the service has averaged 110 calls per year for assistance. |
All of the crew are volunteers and give freely of their time to aid the service. GAFIRS is unique in that not only does it use its training skills to teach the lifeboat crews but, as a fully approved RYA Training Center, undertakes training of local Fire Officers, yachtsmen, SCUBA divers and fishermen. |
Although the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service was established in 1969 to protect those at sea in the Eastern Solent, it is regularly called upon in times of flooding. The lifeboat crews, shore helpers and cadets undertake community work both during and after storms by clearing fallen trees, using small boats to take householders from their flooded homes or rescuing people stranded in their cars. |
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It costs £35,000 a year to run the service. This does not include capital projects, such as fund raising for a new lifeboat or the replacement of equipment.
Every penny donated to the service is used for the service. no-one takes an administration fee from this service.
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GAFIRS is a member of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation (SSRO) and affiliated to the British Cane Union Lifeguards and the Royal Lifesaving society
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