"Volunteering has always been a way for me to give back," Anna shares. "With my background in kitesurfing, I saw an opportunity to use my knowledge to make a real impact."

Her journey into volunteering was deeply personal. "I wanted to use my skills for something meaningful. Knowing I could help prevent accidents and contribute to the safety of others resonated with me. Volunteering is my way of giving back, combining my love for the water with a sense of purpose."

Anna's RNLI adventure started just under a year ago when she joined Cleethorpes Lifeboat Station as a Water Safety Advisor.

"It’s been a whirlwind. Initially, I focused on sharing safety messages at local events and through beach conversations. But soon after, I began weekly crew training sessions and last summer, I received my shore crew pass-out."

Now, as she prepares for emergency procedures training at the RNLI Training Centre in Poole, she is set to take on a bigger role on the boat crew. "It’s exciting to be moving into a more active role in rescues. The training has been challenging, but every step brings me closer to making a greater impact."

Anna's role as a Water Safety Advisor involves engaging with the community—whether through station visits, local events, or casual beach conversations. "I often find myself instinctively monitoring Cleethorpes' sandbanks, a major local hazard, even while out walking my dog."

As a shore crew member, she assists with lifeboat launches and recovery procedures, ensuring that operations run smoothly. "I handle VHF communications, chart work, and post-recovery maintenance. It’s a real team effort—everyone plays a crucial role."

One of Anna’s most unforgettable experiences was her very first callout. "The sound of the pager going off made my heart race. It was a routine call, but something unexpected happened—a pedestrian’s dog got spooked and ran into a busy road, getting hit by a car."

Without hesitation, Anna rushed to help. "The dog was hurt, but thankfully, not critically. The owner was incredibly grateful. It reminded me that, as RNLI volunteers, we’re here to help in any way we can—not just at sea."

Another deeply moving experience was assisting with ash scattering services. "Being part of such an intimate moment with grieving families is an honour. Even if I never met the person in life, helping them on their final journey is profoundly touching."

For Anna, the most fulfilling part of being an RNLI volunteer is knowing that she is making a difference. "Using my skills to serve the community gives me a deep sense of purpose. The RNLI is made up of people from all walks of life, each bringing something unique to the team. It’s incredibly enriching."

More than anything, she values the camaraderie. "The teamwork and dedication inspire me daily. The RNLI community is full of compassionate, selfless people, and I feel privileged to be a part of it."

"As humans, we all crave a sense of belonging," Anna reflects. "With my family living far away, the RNLI has become my second family. Sometimes, my crew knows me better than my friends and family back home. The support we give each other is incredible."

Being part of the RNLI means being surrounded by people who share a common mission. "We help people in need without hesitation, without judgment. That sense of unity and purpose is rare—and it’s something I treasure."

For those considering joining the RNLI, Anna has one message: "Everyone has a role to play. We are like a jigsaw puzzle—every piece is essential. Whether you’re a fundraiser, shore crew, boat crew, or station attendant, your contribution matters."

Coming from Poland and balancing life as a single parent with a full-time job, Anna proves that anyone can make time to volunteer. "You don’t need to have a background in maritime work. What truly matters is your attitude, perseverance, and willingness to help."

For her, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. "You gain new skills, work alongside amazing people, and most importantly, you contribute to saving lives. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that."

Ian's inspiration to become a volunteer stemmed from his love for the sea and the camaraderie that comes with working alongside like-minded individuals. “I always had an interest in sailing as a child,” Ian recalls. “The year I moved to Cleethorpes, the station was advertising for volunteers. I applied, served my probation, and started my training on station, including trips to the then-new HQ in Poole.”

Through years of dedication and training, Ian progressed to the role of helm before stepping into his current position as one of the five Launch Authorities at Cleethorpes RNLI. In this vital role, he is responsible for assessing Coastguard requests for rescue operations, determining whether the lifeboat is the most suitable asset for the emergency, and coordinating the crew’s launch. Beyond the operational side, he also ensures the wellbeing of volunteers, particularly after challenging and emotional rescues.

After a quarter-century of service, Ian has been part of numerous rescue missions, each one reinforcing the importance of the RNLI’s work. “There have been many routine services that have returned loved ones back safe,” he shares. “However, the one that stands out for me is the Dollard rescue in 2004. You can read the report in the boathouse or online.”

Beyond the adrenaline and responsibility, Ian highlights the personal benefits of volunteering. “It’s good for my mental health, and it’s great for forming friendships with people who experience situations few ever will.”

Volunteering with the RNLI is more than just a role, it’s a community. Ian appreciates the recognition and support he receives from the public. “It’s nice to be recognised. Sometimes I’m having a pint , and someone will mention seeing me in the paper or say what a great job the RNLI does. It validates all the hours we give to serve the community.”

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering joining the RNLI, Ian emphasises the importance of commitment. “Make sure you have the time to dedicate to it. Getting a shout at 2 AM on Christmas morning can be a test of family life. We had a shout on my first wedding anniversary—I had to leave. Still married 20 years later .”

Ian Sanderson’s story is a testament to the dedication, bravery, and camaraderie that define the RNLI. His contributions over the past 25 years serve as an inspiration to all who value community service and the call to save lives at sea.

Matt shares that he became involved because of his admiration for lifeboat stations, where he grew up watching them take care of people in distress. That admiration transformed into a lifelong commitment when he saw how much his dad supported the RNLI. He now volunteers at Cleethorpes Lifeboat Station alongside 12 years of experience and training.

As a Helm on the lifeboat, Matt takes charge of operations and ensures the safety of both his crew and the boat. His responsibilities also include being the press officer for the station, where he updates the media and local community on their activities. Balancing these roles is a significant challenge, but Matt finds it incredibly fulfilling when the team successfully aids those in distress.

Among the many memorable rescues over the years, the have been moments like being invited to Buckingham Palace as part of the RNLI's recognition of his service. Moments like these remind him of the far-reaching impact of his service and the sense of community that comes with volunteering for an organisation that makes a difference in people's lives.

Matt reflects on what motivates him, saying: "Being able to help people when they're in need and being part of an amazing team are what make this so rewarding." He believes that camaraderie extends beyond Cleethorpes, where the RNLI community shows humanity and compassion. Matt encourages others to consider joining, saying: "Come and have a chat. We have all sorts of ways to get involved, both afloat and in the community."

Matt's story is one of dedication, teamwork, and honouring his father's legacy. His passion for the RNLI is evident in everything he does, making him an integral part of this life-saving institution.

"I’ve always recognised the importance of the lifeboat institution," he says. "Being so close to the station, it just felt right to put my name down and be part of it."

Now, 15 months into his journey with the RNLI, Stephen is a trainee lifeboat crew member, steadily working his way through the rigorous training required to become a full crew member. Every shift brings new challenges, and every rescue reinforces why he signed up in the first place.

"In my short time, I’ve already been involved in a wide range of rescues—everything from a father and his three-year-old son cut off by the tide to search and rescues and yachts in trouble on the river," he explains. "No two days are the same, and it really feels like I’m making a difference."

That sense of purpose is what drives him. "Knowing that the lifeboat is there 24/7 to help people and being part of a crew of genuinely selfless and brave men and women—that’s what makes it so rewarding."

For Stephen, being part of the RNLI is more than just a volunteer role; it’s a source of immense pride. "It gives me a real sense of purpose. You know you’re part of something bigger than yourself, something that truly matters."

His advice for anyone considering volunteering? "Just do it!"

As Stephen continues his training, each call-out and exercise brings him closer to joining the crew as a full-fledged lifeboat volunteer—ready to launch at a moment’s notice, whatever the conditions, to save lives at sea.