Crew life on the ocean wave

David Warburton has been involved with the RNLI since he was 15

David Warburton was just 15 when he launched into volunteering for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Growing up in Blackpool, he was fascinated by the rescues in the resort.

He was a shore helper until he turned 17 and was officially old enough with to get aboard the lifeboat.

That was March 1995 and he has been dealing with distress calls ever since - from life and death situations to people who have got lost in sea fog.

David is based at Blackpool's Central Promenade station which is one of only two RNLI stations in the country to boast three in-shore lifeboats.

The crew all get on well and socialise together, David says, and is the secret to the station's success. "It's vital for the team to trust each other and work well together. If we didn't, we wouldn't have as many good outcomes as we do."

RNLI SEA SAFETY - NB IT'S WET Inform - tell others where you're going Training - knowledge of your activity is essential SOS device - carry a means of calling for help Wear a lifejacket - a life statement, not a fashion statement - wear it Engine and fuel - have you sufficient fuel and spares? Tides and weather - check the conditions before heading out

The 31 year old wants to continue his work with the RNLI until he is 45 which is the retirement age for crew volunteers. He might love life-boating but it isn't all plain sailing: he doesn't get paid, is on call 24 hours a day seven days a week and it could get him in hot water with his nearest and dearest.

He explains what skills you need to be a helmsman and surprisingly you don't have to be a champion swimmer. "You need commitment, be a moderate swimmer - it's very rare I've had to go in the water, in fact, I can't remember the last time - and be a team player."

It's quite a commitment for the crew's family, too, who can be left high and dry at the most inopportune moments."You can be called at anytime and anywhere which can have a significant impact on their lives as well.

"Pagers can go off at some very inconvenient times and places and they might be left at a second's notice in a restaurant, town centre or social function and have to look after the children."

It is not unusual to get a call-out in the early hours of the morning, either, especially during Blackpool's busiest times.

Zookeeper

And that spur of the moment "let's open a bottle of wine" is a 'no no'. "We have to plan nights out or special occasions and inform the rest of the crew that we won't be responding if our pager goes off."

You can't underestimate the dangers of the sea: to ignore them is the equivalent of playing on the motorway or on a train line David Warburton

It's not just families; employers also have to be understanding. David works in human resources for Blackpool Council. "I'm very lucky because not only are my family really supportive, so are my bosses."

The crew at Blackpool come from all walks of life from a zookeeper to a train driver and they all have accommodating bosses. "Employers are unsung heroes as they allow crew members to rush to call-outs and also attend training courses."

David explains typical SOS calls he can be called to with the Blackpool lifeboat. "It can be anything from people who have been washed off the seawall to kite surfers, anglers, jet skiers, yachters or people who have jumped off the pier."

He has also tended to aircraft incidents including a Military Tornado Jet, people blown out to sea on inflatables, walkers lost on the beach in sea fog and wave dodgers who have been swept into the sea.

David said: "We are also called out to animals in difficulty, particularly dogs, and this is to prevent the owners attempting a rescue. There have been a number of high profile incidents whereby people have drowned attempting to rescue their dog."

This was the cause of Blackpool's worst police sea tragedy. Three policemen and a holidaymaker died on 5 January 1983 at sea just off Gynn Square after going to the aid of Alistair Anthony who jumped into the sea to save his dog.

"The sea and alcohol and don't mix: it is not a swimming pool.

Booze

"People don't realise how dangerous the sea is. One cubic square metre of water weighs a ton. Therefore if a wave of water hits you at any speed then it is going to be very heavy and can easily knock you off your feet."

RNLI lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards work together to save lives at sea

He says booze has all too often played a part in tragic incidents. He sighed: "Unfortunately, over the years a number of fatalities have been fuelled by a few too many."

He added: "The sea and alcohol and don't mix: it is not a swimming pool."

He has also witnessed the catastrophic results of playing too close to the sea and pleads with people to take heed of the keep out signs. "You can't underestimate the dangers of the sea: to ignore them is the equivalent of playing on the motorway or on a train line."

The crew, David stresses, don't judge how people get into difficulty. "We just deal with the situation."

He hasn't been swept away by saving lives. "It's a team effort. It's very rewarding to help people in serious trouble. It certainly gets the adrenalin pumping."