York Rescue Boat is an independent search and rescue charity based in York, North Yorkshire.
Established in 2014 following a tragic series of river-related deaths in the city, the charity began with a small group fundraising from the back of a car. Since then, it has evolved into a highly trained and respected team, known for its life-saving work both locally and across the country.
Our primary focus is on the Rivers Ouse and Foss in York. What makes us unique is our proactive approach: rather than waiting for emergencies, we conduct regular combined foot and boat patrols during high-risk periods—every weekend, all year round. We’re also on-call to assist North Yorkshire Police and other agencies as needed. This presence brings us into contact with many individuals along the rivers—around 80% of whom are considered vulnerable or facing mental health challenges.
We operate under a Memorandum of Understanding with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and North Yorkshire Police, who can call upon our team for river rescues, missing person searches, and other critical incidents where our skills and specialist equipment are essential.
Beyond rescue operations, education is a vital part of our mission. Our volunteers visit schools, scout groups, colleges, and universities to raise awareness about the dangers of open water and teach water safety.
York Rescue Boat is also part of a national flood response network. Our Flood Rescue Team is deployable across the UK through the Fire and Rescue Service National Control Centre. In 2015, our team responded to the devastating floods following Storm Desmond, conducting over 80 rescues in Cumbria. Later that year, we were on the front lines in York when our own city faced severe flooding—serving as part of Surf Life Saving GB’s network of lifesaving organisations.
All of our team members are volunteers. No one is paid—we rely entirely on public support to continue our vital work. If you’d like to help us save lives, please consider making a donation.
York Rescue Boat is committed to educating the community about water safety and preventing incidents before they happen. Through a range of outreach initiatives, we aim to equip people of all ages with the knowledge and skills to stay safe around open water.
Public Awareness Campaigns
We run ongoing campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of rivers and open water. These efforts include community information sessions, distribution of safety literature, and regular social media outreach to share key safety messages with a wider audience.
School Engagement
Working closely with local schools, we deliver educational programs tailored for children and young adults. These sessions focus on essential water safety principles, the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment, and how to respond effectively in an emergency.
Community Workshops and Training
Our team offers practical workshops and training sessions for community groups, businesses, and other organisations. Topics include first aid, CPR, and basic water rescue techniques—providing participants with potentially life-saving knowledge and hands-on experience.
Live Safety Demonstrations
We regularly perform live rescue demonstrations at public events and community gatherings. These engaging demonstrations showcase real-life rescue methods, proper use of safety equipment, and how to safely assist someone in trouble in the water.
Preventing accidents before they occur is a core part of York Rescue Boat’s mission. Through a combination of active patrols, strategic partnerships, and community-focused efforts, we work to create a safer environment along York’s waterways.
Regular Patrols
Our volunteers carry out weekly patrols along the River Ouse and River Foss, with a focus on high-risk periods, especially during weekends and evenings. These patrols act as a visible deterrent to unsafe behaviour and enable our team to provide immediate support when needed.
Collaborative Partnerships
We work closely with local authorities, emergency services, and safety agencies to identify and implement preventive measures. These include enhancing riverbank safety features, installing better signage, increasing monitoring in key areas, and supporting community engagement projects.
Supporting York’s Night-Time Economy
Through our coordinated efforts with partner agencies, we contribute to making York a safer place at night. Our ongoing work has played a part in the city being awarded Purple Flag status—a recognition of excellence in managing safe, vibrant, and inclusive night-time environments.
At the heart of York Rescue Boat’s mission is our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to water-related emergencies. Our trained volunteers, specialised equipment, and close collaboration with emergency services enable us to save lives when every second counts.
24/7 Emergency Response
We are on call around the clock, ready to respond to incidents involving individuals in distress in or near the water. Our rapid deployment capabilities ensure timely intervention in critical situations.
Highly Trained Volunteers
Our dedicated team of volunteers undergoes rigorous training in water rescue techniques, first aid, and emergency response. This preparation ensures we are equipped to manage a wide range of emergencies—from water rescues to providing life-saving medical support on scene.
Specialist Rescue Equipment
Our rescue boats are outfitted with advanced technology and essential equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, powerful searchlights, flotation aids, and comprehensive medical kits. This equipment allows us to conduct effective search and rescue operations—even in difficult or hazardous conditions.
Seamless Collaboration with Emergency Services
We work hand-in-hand with local police, fire, and ambulance services to deliver a coordinated response. This partnership ensures that resources are used efficiently and that those in need receive the fastest and most effective care possible.
