About GAFIRS
GAFIRS is an independent lifeboat and inshore rescue service that was founded in 1969. As a declared facility to the UK Coastguard, we provide emergency lifeboat cover to the Eastern Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.
Our crews live normal lives just like you. However, when the Coastguard activate those of them on pager call out, they drop everything at a moment’s notice and respond to people in distress; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and in all weathers.
On average we respond to 100 incidents per year. These vary from towing stricken vessels away from danger, all the way to providing life saving first aid to critically injured casualties. Time and time again our teams have been awarded national commendations for our life saving services to the community. Our members commit hundreds of hours each per year in order to maintain this vital public service.
About the charity
GAFIRS is a charity registered in England (registered charity number 1159681).
Our service is managed and delivered entirely by volunteers. Management is by elected committee and a number of honorary positions reflect our community ethos. We provide a wide range of services to the community: these include delivering safety presentations to water sports clubs, accident prevention and beach safety events at schools, to promotions at local fairs and fetes, the amazing 999 emergency services day and the highly successful New Years Day Swim, raising funds for various charities under the watchful eye of GAFIRS.
Honorary Positions
Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel John Jarvis, CBE, KStJ, QHS, FRCR, DL
Charity Patron
Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Richard Earle
Joint PresidentThe Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pal Hayre
Joint President
John Lee
Vice PresidentOur Charity Directors
Joanne Young
Chair of the BoardCurrently Vacant
Secretary
Mike Allen
Operations Director
Tom Clark
Community Director
Kelly O'Neill
Personnel DirectorLewis Archibald
Engineering DirectorOwen Sargant
Finance DirectorOur Working Group Co-ordinators and Advisors
Andrew Murphy
Health and Safety Officer
Pamela Oddy
Safeguarding Officer
Richard Brady
Casualty Care Working Group Co-ordinator
GAFIRS Fleet of Lifeboats
Gosport Lifeboat is fitted with the latest technology, extending her capabilities and decrease response times. She has the latest in radar and navigation technology and VHF direction finding device. She is fitted with two 2 x Yanmar 8LV, 4.42-litre turbo diesel V8s producing 320hp each. Driving 2 x Hamilton waterjets via an electrically controlled reversible gearbox
Joan Dora Fuller
Gosport Lifeboat9.0 metres
43 knots / 50mph
3-4 crew
Gosport ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) has been designed by the service as a patrol craft and secondary lifeboat. She was built by Ribcraft and is powered by a single outboard engine. A specially designed trailer enables her to be taken to inland incidents.
Ian Fuller
Gosport Inshore Lifeboat4.8 metres
30 knots / 35mph
2-3 crew
Vehicles
Our multipurpose rescue unit, the long wheelbase Landrover carries first aid and rescue stretchers. This incident support vehicle is regularly deployed to provide shore side assistance for the lifeboat and during shoreline searches. The Landover works alongside other emergency services where off-road vehicles are required.
Land Rover Defender
Gosport Rescue Mobile2.6-litre diesel
Crew transport capability
The four wheel drive Valtra tractor, call sign ‘Gosport Rescue Tango’ is used for the launch and recovery of our lifeboat fleet.
Tractor
Gosport Rescue TangoPulls 10+ tonnes
Annual Accounts and Information
Annual Accounts 2023
Annual Accounts 2020
Annual Accounts 2022
Annual Accounts 2021