St John Ambulance Cymru and the volunteers at its Ferryside Marine Division have agreed to establish a separate charity in order for both organisations to better serve their core objectives.
Both parties are committed to continuing to work together to ensure people who require first aid from the lifeboat team continue to receive the highest quality care.
For Ferryside Lifeboat, this will involve becoming an independent lifeboat organisation. On water operations will continue unchanged throughout the transition process - with volunteers continuing to provide search and rescue services 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, as a declared facility within HM Coastguard’s search and rescue remit.
Discussions with HM Coastguard have already been held and there will be a number of public events organised so members of the public can visit the lifeboat station to discuss any questions they may have.
Lifeboat team members have been working to complete all the required steps to form a new charity, with the help of the Carmarthenshire Association of Volunteer Services and St John Ambulance Cymru - and an application has already been submitted to the Charity Commission.
St John Ambulance Cymru will continue to work with volunteers at Ferryside Lifeboat to ensure a smooth transition and the agreement between the parties will involve the transfer of vital assets including the lifeboats, 4x4 and trailer. The first aid charity for Wales will also continue to support the group’s clinical governance and volunteer first aid training.
St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive, Richard Lee said: “We would like to thank the marine volunteers in Ferryside for all their work. Their skills and capabilities are a one off within St John in the UK and the creation of a standalone charity which recognises their expertise will allow them and St John to concentrate on the core operational activity of both charities.
“We look forward to working with Ferryside Lifeboat to support the charity with training and clinical governance activities as it establishes itself.”
The new chair of Ferryside Lifeboat, Anthony Rees said: “In 2035 our Ferryside Lifeboat will be celebrating its incredible 200-year anniversary. Through its history, the stewards of the boat have changed many times, but the boat has always remained - serving its community and honouring its promise to protect lives at sea.
“As we enter this next exciting chapter of Ferryside Lifeboat's story, we know that our boat will continue to build its legacy and serve its community for many, many more years to come.”
For the latest news on Ferryside Lifeboat visit www.ferryside-lifeboat.co.uk