The Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) station has been in existence for a long time, though it may not be as well known as the RNLI in Rye Harbour and many other places. However, it does the same, rescuing boats or people in difficulty. It is set back from but very close to the beach, housing the big and a smaller rescue boat. It was formed in 1970 and serves the local fishing and surrounding community. Their mission is as any other rescue service, to save lives and promote safety in the sea and on shore.
They operate all year round and are on call 24/7. All the crew and support team are volunteers. Though the station in Pett Level is not affiliated to RNLI or HM Coastguard, they work closely with their local units and emergency services. They are proud to be able to launch the rescue boat in 15-20 minutes thanks to their dedicated on-call volunteers. There are about 75 independent life boat stations around England. They all are self-managed and self-financed through fundraising events, donations and PLIRB have raised some of their funds from their shanty group performing in different venues. They get no public or government funding.
They want to make sure the future of the station is secure as well as developing the service. The volunteers across the team receive regular training and can take professional qualifications in a specific volunteer capacity they are interested in, such as radio, powerboat courses and other roles. The rescue boats are checked once a week when most volunteers attend. The tasks at each training are many and each individual decides where to fit in. PLIRB covers the area from Camber to Fairlight if necessary and needed. They suggest that if anyone sees anything untoward on the sea or beach to ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For any further information about becoming a volunteers or donating money please go to www.plirb.org or email info@plirb.org. The phone number is 01424 812 457
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .