A pair of volunteers from Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat station are set to grace the silver screen as part of a national primetime series focusing on the charity’s lifesaving work.
Jim Edwards and Alan Simister will both appear in a brand new TV series called ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ which is set to air soon on BBC One.
Filmed over the course of several months at seven different lifeboat stations across the UK, the series portrays what life is like for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s volunteer lifeboat crews who must be ready at any time of day or night to help someone in trouble at sea or on the River Thames.
As well as Eastbourne lifeboat station, others included that were filmed for the series include Brighton, Blackpool, Torbay, Tower in central London, Oban and Newquay. Volunteers at all these stations allowed specialist cameras and equipment onto their lifeboats and welcomed film makers into their stations for an all-access look at what they do.
The series is a moving, real-life snapshot of the work that some 4,700 RNLI volunteers are prepared to do 24-hours a day at more 230 lifeboat stations around the waters of the UK and Republic of Ireland. It gives the audience the opportunity to follow real-life rescue situations from the perspective of a lifeboat crew member, and understand the importance of community and family support to lifeboat volunteers. It also explores the poignant reasons behind why people from all walks of life volunteer to put their lives on the line to save others.
Volunteer crew member Alan Simister from Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat station, who features in the series said: ‘It’s great to have been involved in this project and I’m really proud that our station is included. I hope that people who watch it will get a little more understanding about what RNLI volunteers do and why they do it.
‘The whole Eastbourne crew are looking forward to watching the series and giving viewers a small insight into what we do.’
Eastbourne is one of the RNLI’s busiest coastal; lifeboat statins – in recent months they have responded to a number of calls for assistance including a serious boat fire and people cut off from the rising tide.
The series forms part of a special volunteering season by the BBC called Do Something Great.
Leesa Harwood, Community Lifesaving and Fundraising Director says: ‘We’re excited and proud to be involved in the BBC’s Do Something Great season and to have the opportunity to showcase the work of our courageous volunteers on BBC One.
Last year alone our courageous lifeboat crews rescued almost 8,000 people and saved 348 lives, while over 20,000 people across the UK and Ireland volunteer their time to raise the funds that enable our crews to continue their lifesaving work.
We hope that lots of people tune in, enjoy the series and learn more about our lifesaving charity.’
Saving Lives at Sea will be shown on BBC One later this spring, currently scheduled to be broadcast in April