Severn Area Rescue Association

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) is a nonprofit organisation and charity registered under number 505504, operating as a specialist marine and land search and rescue service. Established in 1973, it provides critical emergency services across Gloucestershire, Hereford & Worcestershire, and Gwent, focusing on the Severn Estuary and the upper reaches of the River Severn[1][2].

Operations

• Service Area: SARA operates across a significant portion of the west of England and Wales, encompassing the Bristol area, the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons, the Severn estuary, and the River Severn[5].
• Fleet and Assets: The organisation boasts 22 operational inshore lifeboats and 20 vehicles, making it the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, second only to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)[2].
• Volunteer Base: Approximately 200 dedicated volunteers support SARA's operations, including frontline responders, command staff, and administrative personnel[5].

Activities

• Rescue Services: SARA provides inshore lifeboat and inland search and rescue services on the tidal Severn, Wye, and Usk rivers, extending across all of Gloucestershire[4].
• Flood Response: The association maintains four flood response teams, aiding in national flood rescue operations[3].
• Auxiliary Support: Beyond its rescue roles, SARA assists paramedics with access to critical locations and supports police operations with body and evidence recovery[5].

Organisational Structure

• Charity Status: As of January 1, 2022, SARA's operations were transitioned into a new charity entity (Charity CIO 1193634), with the original charity (505504) now dormant pending formal closure[4].
• Stations: SARA operates from six locations, with four managed directly by the charity and two hosted at local fire stations in Tewkesbury and near Kidderminster[2].

Funding and Challenges

• Voluntary Support: SARA relies on fundraising efforts to maintain its operational capabilities, including recent campaigns to upgrade critical assets like rescue vehicles[5].
• Resource Challenges: The retirement of outdated vehicles poses challenges for SARA's rescue operations, highlighting the need for upgraded equipment to effectively serve the community[5].

[1] https://www.sara-rescue.org.uk [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severn_Area_Rescue_Association [3] https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/teams/severn-area-rescue-association/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/505504 [5] https://hospitalsaturdayfund.org/severn-area-rescue-association/