The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) is an Inshore Rescue boat and Land Search organisation covering the Severn Estuary and upper reaches of the River Severn. SARA is the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, second only to the RNLI, with 8 operational boats and approximately 150 personnel.

SARA currently operates from three stations. These are located at Beachley, near Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Sharpness in Gloucestershire and Wyre Forest. The operational area for these stations includes large parts of the rivers Severn, Wye, Bristol Avon, Usk. We are the designated rescue service for these areas, being called primarily via HM Coastguard, Police or Fire Brigade. During flooding and other events SARA has often operated away from it's core area to provide rescue services when requested. SARA is not part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and receives no funding from them. The RNLI does not operate in any of the above areas.

The membership is made up entirely from volunteers, with no paid staff. As a registered charity, all funding is raised by way of donations.

SARA was founded in 1973, with its then headquarters at Tutshill, which is near the current Beachley station. In 1976 SARA became a registered charity and purchased its first boat in 1977.

In 1985 SARA became an official Mountain Rescue Post in the role of Cliff rescue for the Wye valley. A year later in 1986 a second station was opened at Sharpness. This was primarily in response to a tragic loss of life in the Sharpness area. 2 boats are now stationed at Sharpness

In 2001 the third station was opened at Upton-Upon-Severn in response to the growing menace of flooding on the upper reaches of the River Severn. The Upton station took over a vessel that had been purchased by the local community. A second vessel designed for flood relief work has also been acquired.

In 2002 SARA Beachley lost its rope rescue status for Cliff rescue on the Wye Valley cliffs due to lack of available trained personnel. SARA Beachley is still a recognised Mountain Rescue Post, and operates an assistance capacity to the fire brigade for cliff rescues. SARA is also still heavily involved in land searches, which are becoming a more frequent requirement.

The need for SARA is increasing with more callouts evident year on year. The variety and range of callouts is also increasing. Typical Incidents involve boats or persons in difficulty in one of the rivers we cover, but also the search for missing persons, animal rescue and flood relief are becoming common.

SARA has become a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised teaching establishment. With 7 SARA members now certified instructors SARA is able to teach and certify its own members to RYA Powerboat Levels 1 & 2 and RYA Safety boat. It is hoped to offer this service to the public in the near future to help bring awareness and funding to the organisation.

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