From Swimming Lessons to Saving Lives: A conversation with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute)
Updated: Sep 26
During my recent trip across the pond to the UK to visit my parents, I had the opportunity to meet with my cousin Daryl by Southend-on-Sea Pier which is actually the longest pleasure pier in the World and one of the Uk's busiest lifeboat bases. As a professional swimming teacher with more than 35 years of experience, water safety has always been at the heart of what I teach, so this was a particularly special conversation with me.
A conversation with my cousin Daryl about his work with the RNLI, water safety and saving lives at sea.
Daryl's connection to water goes back many years. Before his involvement with the RNLI, he worked for me as a swimming teacher at my swim school in the UK. It was wonderful to catch up and hear about the work he does with the RNLI and the vital role crews play in saving lives.
The RNLI hovercraft used at Southend-on-Sea, used to reach people in difficulty across the area's mudflats, shallow water and tidal areas.
The RNLI Tractor
The tractor serves as the muscle of the shore crew, specifically tasked with launching and recovering smallerinshore lifeboats, or manoevarble equipment directly from the beach or a boathouse.
The RNLI is an independent charity and the lifeboat crews are volunteers who give their time without being paid. Public donations help provide the training and equipment the volunteer crews need to save lives.
It was wonderful to spend time with Daryl and see first hand another side of water safety. From the swimming pool to open sea, knowledge, preperation and respect of the water can make all the difference. I'm incredibly proud of the time Darul gives to the RNL and grateful to him for sharing his experience with me, and now with you.
For me, water safety begins at home. Thank you Daryl, and thank you to the RNLI volunteers who give their time to saving lives.
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