Independent lifeboat awarded royal honour

Ryde Inshore Rescue has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Ryde Inshore Rescue has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups giving their time freely for the benefit of others. The independent lifeboat station, one of around 40 in the UK which operate outside the auspices of the RNLI, is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the Solent.

RIR operates two inshore lifeboats, a 36-knot 6.3m Ribcraft and an Avon EA16 D-class inflatable, both of which are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The station is HM Coastguard’s primary maritime rescue service for the coastal area from Osborne Bay to St Helens Fort, and it also educates many Isle of Wight youth groups about sea safety and beach awareness.

Lifeboat secretary Gordon Osborne said he was proud the lifeboat station he founded more than 50 years ago was still making such a positive impact today.

 

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