BARB Search & Rescue, founded in 1992 as Burnham Area Rescue Boat, is an independent charity run by a dedicated team of local volunteers. We operate two rescue hovercraft and two inshore rescue boats.
BARB is on-call 24/7 & our team has saved hundreds of lives over the years, responding to a wide range of emergencies.
As a charity, we rely entirely on public donations to keep our rescue services operational, ensuring that help is always available when it’s needed most.
BARB has conducted extensive research and tested several hovercrafts over the past year. As a result, we’ve decided to upgrade our current fleet with the IH-6 model.
The new hovercraft will be launched in Burnham-On-Sea this autumn after our training program is completed.
A formal naming ceremony will be scheduled for later in the year.
BARB is always on the look out for dedicated volunteers to help us with a wide variety of roles from crew members to fundraising.
As an independent charity, we rely on your donations. Support BARB’s life-saving work by making a one off or monthly donation.
BARB is a registered charity that operates two life-saving rescue hovercraft and an inshore rescue boat in the Bridgwater Bay area.
BARB and BARB’s supporters hold many events throughout the year.
To find out more, click the link below
BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) was Founded
BARB station built with help from a BBC TV show
Lelaina Hall Tragedy
Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft launches