Gift of new boat to patrol Solent

The lifeguards patrol safe swimming zones and high risk areas

A voluntary lifeguard team has been given a brand new rescue boat to replace their damaged craft.

Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards (PSVL) made 60 rescues in the Solent in their old boat last year.

When it was damaged beyond repair they asked Hampshire firms to help fund the £8,500 replacement.

A Havant-based internet recruitment company, Jobsite, offered to help and have customised the lifeguard patrol craft to the charity's specification.

More rescues

The boat will be used to help protect the safe swimming zones and high risk areas between Portsmouth and Langstone harbours and the East Winner off Hayling Island.

Greg Hughes, from PSVL, said: "Our previous boat played such a pivotal role in our work as lifeguards and being without this created a large gap in the rescue cover available on the busy Portsmouth waters.

"We are extremely grateful that Jobsite have assisted us in being able to get back to work and are thrilled that the new customised boat will allow us to help in more rescues than ever before."

The new boat will be officially launched on in a beach ceremony on 11 August.

Jobsite chairman Keith Potts said: "The PSVL do a remarkable job and when we heard that they needed a new boat in order to continue their invaluable support we were pleased to be able to help."