Landlocked surfer inspired to help RNLI rescuers
Rescue: Ann-Marie Smith (second left) with other volunteers from the Gravesend Lifeboat Station
A surfer from our Southern region was inspired to volunteer for the RNLI – despite living miles away from the coast in landlocked Surrey.
Keen sea-goer Ann-Marie Smith, who works with our HR department, was motivated to get involved with the life-saving organisation two years ago after watching a hard-hitting TV documentary about the charity’s activities.
Although she lives in Warlingham, she found out about the Gravesend Lifeboat Station on the River Thames where, instead of being on call, she now volunteers for at least two 12-hour shifts each month.
She said: “Having spent most of my summer childhood holidays trailing round on my dad’s windsurfing adventures, I’ve always been around water.
“Being a surfer, I always assumed that I’d make it back in alright and if I did get into trouble, there would be someone there to help me. But after watching a documentary on the RNLI, I realised that was incredibly naïve.”
