Founded in 2022, the The National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) was formed to promote and support the independent lifeboat organisations that operate along the coastline and on inland waterways across the United Kingdom. These independent lifeboats are run primarily by volunteers and funded by local donations, providing an invaluable service to their local communities and saving thousands of lives each year.

The NILA's aims to create opportunities for collaboration, education and training, and to support organisational development. Members of NILA retain their independence while enjoying benefits including greater representation in Parliament, group purchasing, fundraising support, national promotion, and access to working groups where data and best practice is shared.