Latest news
Thursday, 09 July 2026
Subject: National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) gains a full seat on the UKSAR Operators Group
NILA is pleased to announce that after 4 years of holding a probationary seat on the UK Seach and Rescue (UKSAR) Operators Group today we have been awarded a full seat. This is down to the hard work of the trustees and a great testament to our members inputs. NILA was formed in 2022 with the aims of brining the independent lifeboat sector together to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing and representation.
Over the last 4 years we have worked to gain membership, this currently sits at 36 teams from all 4 nations of the UK and Jersey, our team of trustees have worked with the UKSAR teams to ensure that there is a flow of information both ways and this has allowed us to ensure that our members views are represented at the national level.
We have shown that as a group we are stronger than as individuals, this is particularly shown in the work on the new rescue boat code annex where we are in the discussions at the same level as the other SAR providers and we will continue to work with the MCA to ensure that our members are represented. We are keen to invite those teams to become members as we can only be stronger as an organisation if we represent everyone in the sector, If you would like to discuss membership, please reach out to the Secretary who will be happy to help.
In 2025 our members responded to 20% of all lifeboats related calls in the UK assisting 2,189 people and 54 animals. All of our teams are run by volunteers and are expected to fundraise to cover their operational costs. Our volunteers gave up a combined 301,606 hours in 2025 covering operational call outs, patrols and non-operational duties such as training and fundraising. Our teams receive no government funding and remain independent charities with NILA having no operational oversight.
In gaining the full seat we are now considered the representative body for non RNLI lifeboats both Inland and on the Coast within UKSAR, We also represent the members in the UK Government via Paul Holmes MP and via the All Party Parliamentary Group for Voluntary SAR.
We would like to thank HMCG as our sponsor organisation for all the support they have given us and thank the members of the operators group for the unanimous decision.
There have been some changes within our leadership:
There have been some changes within our leadership:
Following our AGM, Rob Mathews has resigned. We extend our deepest thanks to Rob for his invaluable contribution – particularly his work in developing a library of reference materials for members. He leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we wish him all the best for the future.
Neil Dalton, Chair of NILA, Awarded MBE
We are absolutely delighted to share that Neil Dalton, Chair of the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in East Sutherland.
Neil has dedicated over four decades of his life to maritime rescue and community safety. He was a founding member of East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) in 1982, and served in various roles — including Training Officer, Vice Chair, and Chair for 11 years — before stepping into the national role with NILA in 2022.
His leadership, vision, and quiet determination have had a lasting impact at both local and national levels. In his current role, Neil continues to champion the work of independent lifeboat stations across the UK, advocating for the volunteers who launch into danger to save lives.
This is a proud moment for all of us at NILA. We’re thrilled to see Neil’s tireless service and commitment to others recognised in this way — and we know every independent station across the country will be celebrating with us.
Congratulations, Neil — and thank you for everything you continue to do for this cause.
