Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, visited the Stokes Bay Head Quarters of Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) on Friday.
Founded in 1969, GAFIRS is an independent search and rescue facility covering the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour. It is funded entirely by charitable donations, which are used to deliver emergency lifeboat and rescue services. All of the crew are volunteers and freely give up their time to help others in distress in, on or near water.
The meeting provided Gosport's MP with the opportunity to learn more about GAFIRS life-saving work and even climb aboard and inspect their brand new, state-of-the-art lifeboat.
Caroline commented:
"Having long been a supporter of GAFIRS, it is fantastic to finally see first-hand the Stokes Bay hub where they launch their search and rescue vessels and vehicles in times of emergency. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the team, the equipment and the headquarters.
"I would like to pay tribute to the dedication and determination of those GAFIRS volunteers who keep us safe while we enjoy our wonderful coastal location. GAFIRS have played an incredibly important role in recent emergency situations where local people have been in distress on the water, clearly demonstrating how much our local area relies upon this unit."
To learn more about GAFIRS or to make a donation, please click here or follow them on twitter @GAFIRS.
