When I was very young I saw a rescue carried out from a passenger ferry and it stayed with me.

Then as a teenager I was lucky to be chosen as a face of the charity and did a lot of fund raising and raising awareness for them.

I love the sea, the seaside and being in the water and I am always acutely aware of how quickly things/conditions can change when out on a paddle board or in a dinghy having fun.

I am always inspired whenever I have been fortunate to witness a launch, whether a practise or for real.

I cannot imagine the courage and teamwork necessary to launch and get back hopefully with everyone in tact.

And whenever I set out for my ocean swim I am always grateful to know should anything happen there are people who will come to the rescue should I need help.

They give me massive peace of mind as I am sure they do the same for many others. I have much respect for the crew of volunteers across the country.