How old were you when you started working as a crew member?
21
What is it like being a crew member?
Fun and rewarding. It is a good social group and great fun to do.
How do you keep fit?
I cycle to work (16 miles) and play squash a lot. Otherwise I’ve been known to go swimming if I cant find anything more interesting to do to keep fit.
What happens if you get a call out when you are at work?
Generally I have to ignore it as the patients wouldn’t like me running out of a clinic, but if I’m in a lecture then I’ll quietly leave.
How do you feel when you get called out in the middle of a cold winter’s night?
Talkative - if I get woken up then I’m all chatty without my brain ever really being turned on. Which doesn’t impress those with a less sunny temperament in the middle of the night!
Do you ever manage to have a cup of tea when you are out on a shout?
No, we drive a real boat without a nice dry inside.
Do you ever get hungry when you are out on a shout?
Yes, so we have mars bars under the seats for those cold wet days and nights.
How long does it take you to get the lifeboat in the water?
About 8 minutes; we launch from rollers inside the marina so one crew member can launch the boat and get it ready.
How long does it take to get from your house when you get a call?
It depends, I’m on my bike so if the wind’s with me then I’m much faster.
What is it like on the lifeboat when the weather is really bad?
It can be fun and scary at the same time. It’s a great feeling if a little rough with all the water bouncing the boat around but we all trust the helmsperson.
Do you ever get seasick?
Very rarely; I’ve never been seasick on the boat, however I have occasionally felt unwell once I get off the boat! Strange!
Is it exciting?
Yes!
What’s the training like? Is there a lot of reading and writing?
No, there’s lots of practical training and there’s stuff you need to know but most of it is knowing how to do stuff.
Have you ever not been able to rescue someone? How did that make you feel?
Quite a few times, on one level I don’t like it but I know we’ve done our job well and that’s all we can do.
What does your family think about your lifeboat work?
They think it’s good.
Do you think you should get paid?
Never, that would completely change the atmosphere and the way it works, not to mention be too expensive.
What happens if you’re asleep in bed and you are called out?
I wake up and try to make sure I have my clothes on before I rush down to the station.