New plans to build a home for the city's lifeboat
Currently our lifeboat lives in the Foss Basin which is not ideal. When flood water raises the Ouse and the Foss Barrier is closed, we have to relocate, as well as poor lighting make it difficult for our crews.
However, the pontoon located within the city centre will provide a permanent base to the charity’s life boat Jorvik Guardian. This will allow our crews safe and well-lit access when attending emergency calls day and night 365 days a year.
We have been very fortunate and would like to say a massive thank you to the Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT) who have donated a 11m floating pontoon. This has saved the charity approximately £10,000 which can now be invested into the instillation and conversion, and on 14th November the pontoon was successfully transported from Naburn to York. The pontoon will also be shared by the York Sea Cadets association, providing safe access for the cadets and instructors onto their boats.
Work will begin in late January with the instillation of a non-slip floor that will stop the build-up of ice and snow in winter, safety fencing and other equipment such as life rings and fire extinguishers.
We are currently in the process of tendering out a contract for the instillation of 2 rising posts that the pontoon will be installed to. Once a contractor is found it is hoped that the work will be completed by July.
If you would like to support this project in any way, whether by a monetary donation or by donating a piece of equipment, you can find out more by visiting www.yorkrescueboat.com/pontoon