Lagan Search and Rescue TRUSTEE REPORT 2022/2023 ## Content |•|Objectives and Activities|Page 2| |---|---|---| |•|Achievements and Performance|Page 3| |•|Financial review|Page 5| |•|Structure and Management|Page 6| PAGE 1 ## Objectives and Activities Lagan Search & Rescue (LSAR) is an acute water rescue charity which is centered in Belfast. LSAR provides an independent lifeboat service for the seaward River Lagan, Belfast Harbour and the estuarial waters of Belfast Lough. Our charity also provides a dedicated Flood Response Team, with all operations supported by our own Quayside Response Team, Rescue Swimmer Corps and Medical Response Team. Lagan Search & Rescue provides this free of cost service, 24/7, 365 to help make Belfast a safer place for all. ## Achievements and Performance 2022/2023 During this specific time frame, the Charity successfully reinstated its operational activities to the familiar rhythm observed before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a positive sign of recovery, businesses within the Harbour region resumed their regular operations, bringing a sense of normality back to the community. Concurrently, various events that had been on hiatus began to reemerge, sparking a renewed demand for safety covers and precautionary patrolling. This reinvigorated need signifies a hopeful transition towards a more vibrant and active period, with the Charity playing a PAGE 2 crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community during these renewed endeavours. Initiating training for our latest recruits, who joined the organisation in April 2022, marked a pivotal step in enhancing our team's proficiency. As these new members completed the comprehensive training program, the organisation officially approved the accreditation of 12 more Search and Rescue Technicians. This strategic move not only bolsters our collective skill set but also augments the overall capabilities of our team, ensuring a heightened level of expertise and preparedness in our pursuit of effective responses. In a noteworthy development, our organisation welcomed the delivery of our second state-of-the-art ‘Class 2’ Lifeboat in July 2022, reinforcing our commitment to maritime safety and rescue operations. Subsequently, a meticulous training program was launched in August 2022, aimed at familiarising the entire crew with the advanced features and operational intricacies of the new lifeboat. This training period not only focused on technical aspects but also emphasized teamwork, emergency protocols, and navigation skills essential for effective life-saving missions. The dedication and diligence of our crew members during this training phase were evident. By the end of September 2022, all crew members successfully completed their operational sign-offs, showcasing their proficiency and readiness to deploy the Class 2 Lifeboat in rescue operations. This achievement not only enhances our organisation's operational capabilities but also underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and preparedness in maritime situations. At the same time, as part of our normal lifeboat training we successful took 6 helms through their RYA Advanced Powerboating qualification which greatly enhances the teams operational readiness. PAGE 3 In a significant milestone, the newly acquired vehicles funded through the DAERA Grant Award seamlessly transitioned into full operational capacity in September 2022, enhancing the organisation's capabilities for swift and effective responses. This development not only marked a successful integration of essential resources but also underscored the commitment to operational excellence. Within the Medical Response Team, the dedication to maintaining high standards was evident as five new volunteers underwent rigorous training to revalidate their FREC 3 qualification. This effort ensures that the team remains well-equipped and adept in providing crucial medical interventions during emergencies. Simultaneously, the Flood Response Team demonstrated their commitment to expertise by diligently pursuing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training in Swiftwater Rescue Techniques, along with welcoming 3 new Swiftwater Rescue Technicians (SRT’s) into the team under the Rescue 3 training syllabus. This ongoing training regimen ensures that the team stays abreast of the latest rescue methodologies, enhancing their preparedness for addressing flood-related challenges. Receiving the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in June 2022 was an extraordinary moment for the Charity, filling the entire organisation with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. This esteemed recognition serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment and selfless contributions made by the volunteers who form the backbone of the organisation. The Queen's Award not only acknowledges the Charity's dedication to voluntary service but also underscores the profound impact that the volunteers' tireless efforts have had on the community at large. Their dedication has not only enhanced the organisation's reach and effectiveness in emergency response but has also created a lasting positive influence within the community. This accolade is more than just a symbol of recognition; it resonates deeply with the organisation's ethos of service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference. It affirms the Charity's role as a cornerstone of community support, showcasing how volunteerism, when driven by a genuine passion for service, can become a powerful force for positive change. In the realms of emergency response, the Queen's Award serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating the organisation to continuously strive for excellence in providing aid and support during critical situations. Moreover, it reinforces the crucial role of community engagement and volunteerism in building resilience and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation that transcends challenging circumstances. Overall, this prestigious recognition stands as a milestone, inspiring the Charity to persist in its mission to serve the community with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. PAGE 4 ## Performance 2022/2023 - April 2022 Open day and water safety demonstration Newtownards Sailing club. - May 2022 Darkness into light, suicide prevention walk. - May 2022 Safety cover Eclectic Love Belfast Harbour. - June 2022 Flood response CPD day. - June 2022 Charity awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. - June 2022 Safety cover AVA festival Belfast Harbour. - June 2022 School visit hosted. - July 2022 Flood response assisted another Charity in search for missing assistance dog. - July 2022 Class 2 Lifeboat delivered and launched. - August 2022 Safety Cover and water safety demonstration, Festival of the River Belfast. - August 2022 joint training CPD with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Specialist Rescue Team. - September 2022 Open day and water safety demonstration at Royal Engineers Army Reserve Centre. - September 2022 all crew completed training on Class 2 lifeboat. - September 2022 the Lord Mayor of Belfast Christina Black visited the base and lifeboat, to fully understand the service LSAR provides to Belfast and surrounding areas. - October 2022 four volunteers undertake and pass their Rescue 3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician course. - October 2022 Safety Cover for the Clubland event at SSE arena. - November 2022 Flood Response Team put on standby for potential flooding in Belfast area. - December 2022 Fundraising Day at Titanic Quarter. - January 2023 Safety Cover for Cancer Focus New Years Day Swim PAGE 5 - January Fundraising Day at Tesco’s Newtownards - January 2023 Training exercise with Royal North and Holywood Yacht Clubs. - February 2023 Safety Cover Cazoo Premier League Darts SSE arena. - March 2023 4X4 standby to transport Healthcare Workers. - March 2023 School visit with water safety demonstration. - March 2023 Community funday with water safety demonstration. - March 2023 School visit with water safety demonstration. - March 2023 PCSP Spring Safety Event, City Hall Belfast. PAGE 6 ## Financial Review The Charity Trustees consider the financial results for the year to 31st March 21 and the financial position at that date to be satisfactory and were signed off as such at a specially convened meeting on 25th January 2024. Due to the increased income during the 2022 – 2023 period an accruals method was used to summarise the charity’s annual accounts. ## Management Structure The table below sets out the management structure within the charity. **----- Start of picture text -----**
oard of Trustees
O erational
Management
Committee
L F OAT ead of Flood
R SC S MM RS Medical Lead
Res onse
A S D
Fundraising Officer
Fleet Management
Training Officer
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PAGE 7 ## **Statement of the Charity Trustees’ Responsibilities** The charity Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the statement of receipts and payments in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: Trustee (Chairman) Trustee PAGE 8 PAGE 9