There are over 50 independent lifeboat organisations that operate along the coastline and on inland waterways across the United Kingdom.

These independent lifeboats are run primarily (if not entirely) by volunteers and funded by local donations, providing an invaluable service to their local communities and saving thousands of lives each year.

The National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) was formed to promote and support these independent lifeboat organisations.

Founded in 2022, NILA is supported by Members of Parliament, the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The charity aims to create opportunities for collaboration, education and training, and to support organisational development.

Members of NILA will retain their independence while enjoying benefits including greater representation in Parliament, group purchasing, fundraising support, national promotion, and access to working groups where data and best practice is shared.