Tees River Rescue is an independent inland rescue charity based on the upstream section (26.7 miles) of the River Tees in the North East of England – an area used by thousands of people each day for walking, exercise, fishing, running, water sports and much more.
Most drowning victims never meant to enter the water. Statistics show that most accidental drownings in open water are people engaging in leisure activities near the water, such as running or walking. Slips and falls into deep water can cause cold water shock and ultimately death.
Tees River Rescue aim to prevent these types of incidents by providing river patrols, educating local river users, and providing free safety boat cover at events. They are also available 24/7 to assist emergency services with search and rescue.
Tees River Rescue is a charity with no paid staff and no government funding, relying completely on support from the public, local businesses, supporters and volunteers.
The volunteer crew operate from their own Rigid Inflatable Boat and can cover a lot of ground across the whole of the river environment in a short period of time, as well as search the riverbed with their sonar equipment.
The charity have just bought a second Rigid Inflatable Boat. This larger, faster, more powerful vessel means the team will be able to respond to multiple incidents at a time, and respond quicker in emergencies. They will also be able to access the tidal side of The Tees Barrage.
Grants for Good funding will be used towards purchasing a welfare vehicle. This would help with their outreach work but, most importantly, can be aside the river so people rescued by the charity can immediately be somewhere warm and be transported for treatment.
“Thank you sincerely for shortlisting our charity. By supporting us, you are recognising the dedication and commitment of all our volunteers, but also the impact they can make with the right support training and equipment, and you will help us continue to save lives and make the River Tees and it’s environs a safer place for all to enjoy.“
“This is a small, new but growing charity that is highly regarded by the local community. What I really liked about this charity is that it is not a reactive search and rescue charity. They are proactive in preventing incidents from happening in the first place, as well as responding to incidents when needed. They have used the funds raised very effectively, purchasing second-hand boats at very reasonable prices. They would use Grants for Good funding towards purchasing a welfare vehicle. This would help with their outreach work but, most importantly, can be aside the river so people rescued by the charity can immediately be somewhere warm and be transported for treatment.”
Latest Project Updates
October 2022
Granted £2,500
After becoming one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good Round, £2,500 was granted.