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.

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.

The service operates three frontline boats in addition to a canoe section and two vehicles. Other equipment, Training and rescue facilities include dive rescue, medical rescue and fire fighting.

 

Over the past few years the service has averaged 110 calls per year for GAFIRS assistance in rescues.

 

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.