Ulverston Inshore Rescue

17/10/2026

17/10/2026

❤️ GREAT NEWS FOR ULVERSTON INSHORE RESCUE AS PLANS FOR PERMANENT BASE GET THE GREEN LIGHT!

There's fantastic news for Ulverston Inshore Rescue after plans for a permanent rescue base at Canal Foot were officially approved by Westmorland and Furness Council!

The volunteer rescue charity, which has been helping save lives around the Furness coastline for more than 20 years, has secured planning permission to develop land generously donated by pharmaceutical company GSK.

❤️ A PERMANENT HOME FOR LOCAL LIFESAVERS!

Ulverston Inshore Rescue had operated from land associated with GSK for more than two decades, but following the closure of the company's Ulverston site, GSK gifted land to the charity to help secure its long-term future.

The company also supported the project by providing electricity, services and new access gates.

The approved development, located between Ulverston Sports & Social Club and The Bay Horse Hotel at Canal Foot, includes storage facilities, welfare units and parking for rescue vehicles.

🚤 SUPPORTING VITAL RESCUE OPERATIONS

Established in 2002, Ulverston Inshore Rescue is run by dedicated volunteers who respond to emergencies involving people, animals and vessels along the coastline.

The charity operates specialist rescue equipment, including boats, a hovercraft and rescue vehicles, helping people in difficulty around the dangerous sands and waters of Morecambe Bay.

The new base will provide a permanent home for the organisation, helping volunteers store equipment and prepare for emergency callouts.

Station Officer Bruce Chattaway previously welcomed GSK's generosity, saying:

"It's basically the land at the back of where we are now. Glaxo gifted us the land, so we've got somewhere permanent now."

✅ PLANNING PERMISSION APPROVED!

Westmorland and Furness Council officially approved the application on Thursday 15th October 2026, marking another important milestone for the charity.

📋 Planning reference: 2026/1587/FPA

👏 A brilliant outcome for a dedicated team of local volunteers who give their time to help keep our coastline safe!

📷 Ulverston Inshore Rescue

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21/09/2026

🚜 A BIG THANK YOU TO THE NFU! 🚤🌊

A huge thank you to the NFU for supporting Ulverston Inshore Rescue with our new digger! 🙌

This is a fantastic addition to our equipment and will make a real difference in helping us maintain the slipway and boat launch area, keeping it safe, accessible and ready for our rescue boat when we need to get on the water.

From maintaining the slip and launch area to helping with essential work around the station, this machine will be put to good use by our volunteers. 💪

We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the NFU and everyone who continues to support Ulverston Inshore Rescue.

🚨 Keeping the slip ready. Keeping the boat ready. Keeping our community safe. 🚨

Thank you, NFU! 👏

28/06/2026

*** Call out 24/2026 ***

Last night, Ulverston Inshore Rescue was tasked following concerns for the welfare of a person who was seen entering the water south of Newbiggin on Coast Road.

As the first emergency responders arrived, fading light meant the individual was no longer visible to the witnesses who had initially had sight of him.

A comprehensive multi-agency search was launched involving:

* Furness Coastguard
* Cumbria Police
* Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service
* Ulverston Inshore Rescue quad bikes and hovercraft
* Barrow RNLI inshore lifeboat
* Bay Search & Rescue drone
* Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R336

Despite an extensive search of the coast and surrounding inland areas, no casualty was located.

Following discussions with the Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre at Holyhead, the search was suspended, and Furness Coastguard and UIR stood down at 5:00am.

We would like to thank all the emergency services and partner agencies involved, this was a good example of JESSIP principles being implemented in a multiagency coastal search environment.

Anyone with information that may assist should contact HM Coastguard or Cumbria Police.

If in danger on the coast or one of the four navigable lakes, Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwent Water, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

10/05/2026

Ulverston inshore rescue team marshal the Fred whitton today

05/05/2026

Thinking of the tragic loss of two fellow lifesavers and the casualty they were going to aid at Ballina, New South Wales Australia

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

27/04/2026

*** CALLOUT ***

This afternoon, following a report of a possible vehicle in the water being washed out to sea near to Chapel Island, Ulverston, a multi-asset response was initiated by Holyhead Coastguard. Coastguard units from Millom Coastguard Rescue Team , Furness Coastguard and Arnside & South Lakes Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked.

Independent units from Ulverston Inshore Rescue and Bay Search & Rescue were also tasked. Teams were stood down after investigations revealed that the 'Casualty ' was in fact a very experienced fisherman going about his business and in no danger whatsoever.

The incident was reported from some distance and the first informant did the right thing by calling it in. Incident outcome - False Alarm with Good Intent.

20/04/2026

*** Call out 09/2026***

Ulverston Inshore Rescue were called out last night by Hollyhead Coastguard to reports of some boats which had run aground whilst returning from Fleetwood.
Our colleagues from Barrow RNLI, Morecambe RNLI hovercraft and the Coastguard.
The initial reports of the number of vessels stuck or broken down was confusing, but with reports of children onboard, our full time Senior Coastal Operations Officer was called to assist.
We stayed at Ferry Pitching / Barrow boat club until all persons were accounted for and recovered.
We had reports of one vessel run aground
One vessel run out of fuel
One vessel with a broken fuel line.

We urge boat owners to check the tide times and complete a passage plan before sailing.
Check your fuel systems for damage oil levels and dirty fuel filters.

If in danger on the coast or one of the four navigable lakes, Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwent Water, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

20/04/2026

Great work from all involved, glad to be a part of the rescue.