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Lagan Search and Rescue TRUSTEE REPORT 2023/2024
Content
| • | Objectives and Activities | Page 2 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Achievements and Performance | Page 3 |
| • | Financial review | Page 5 |
| • | Structure and Management | Page 6 |
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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
04.2023 / 03.2024
During this period, we have undertaken a significant expansion of our community outreach and education program, as mandated by our constitution. This effort was driven entirely by the dedication and commitment of the volunteers, who work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact within our community. Our volunteers organised and facilitated 18 distinct community visits, each carefully designed to engage with youth groups, schools, and other local organisations. These visits served as a platform to promote the critical importance of water safety, a core focus of our mission. Through interactive workshops, engaging presentations, and hands-on demonstrations, each session tailored to different age groups and community
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needs. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including drowning prevention, the proper use of safety equipment, and essential emergency response techniques. Our volunteers brought passion and expertise to each interaction, ensuring the message was not only understood but also embraced by participants. This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, who go above and beyond to serve their community. Their hard work underscores our organisation’s commitment to making a tangible difference and fulfilling our mission of promoting safety and education. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to expand our outreach efforts in the future.
In addition to these extensive outreach efforts, our volunteers responded to 23 emergency callouts during this period, providing critical assistance to individuals in distress. The majority of these incidents involved individuals threatening to enter the water, often in highly vulnerable and emotionally charged situations. These emergencies required not only swift action but also a high degree of skill, sensitivity, and professionalism to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.
Each callout presents unique challenges, from navigating difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions to managing high-stress scenarios with compassion and care. Our volunteers demonstrate exceptional professionalism and expertise, employing both technical rescue techniques and interpersonal skills to de-escalate situations and prevent harm. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and act decisively often makes the difference between life and death.
These responses highlight the immense dedication and unwavering commitment of our team, who remain on call 24/7. Whether it was deploying rescue equipment, coordinating with emergency services, or offering reassurance to those in crisis, our volunteers consistently exemplified the core values of Lagan Search and Rescue.
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Performance 04.2023 / 03.2024
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April 2023
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Fundraising event
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PR event – ‘Be Water Aware’
o School visit with water safety demonstration.
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May 2023
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Specialist water safety cover for the Liffey Descent in Dublin
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Darkness into light, suicide prevention walk.
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School visit with water safety demonstration.
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Event safety cover for boxing event in SSE
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June 2023
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Event safety cover for AVA festival Belfast Harbour over two days
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3 different school visits with water safety demonstrations
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Event safety cover for Cardboard boat race / event
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July 2023
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Public relations visit to the main maritime academy training ship
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Multi agency training exercise with statutory and voluntary agencies
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August 2023
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Event safety cover for LORAG river festival
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2 different community visits with water safety demonstrations
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September 2023
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Event safety cover for Belfast maritime festival over two days
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Community visit with water safety demonstration
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October 2023
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Community visit with water safety demonstration
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o 3 different event safety covers
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November 2023
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Community visit with water safety demonstration
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Fundraising event
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Event safety cover for boxing event in SSE
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Event safety cover for large public gathering
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January 2024
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Event safety cover for Cancer Focus NI New years day swim
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Community visit with water safety demonstration
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February 2024
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Community visit with water safety demonstration
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March 2024
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PCSP Spring Safety Event, City Hall Belfast
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3 School / community visits with water safety demonstrations
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Event safety cover for darts event in SSE
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Fundraising event
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Financial Review
The Charity Trustees consider the financial results for the year to 31st March 24 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.
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Management Structure
The table below sets out the management structure within the charity.
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F BOA
S SW MM S
A S
Fundraising Officer
Fleet Management
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Board of rustees
O erational
Management
ommittee
ead of Flood
Medical ead
es onse
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Statement of the Charity Trustees’ Responsibilities
he charity rustees are res onsible for re aring the rustees’ e ort and the statement of receipts and payments in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Trustee (Chairman)
Trustee
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