Learning on the Job

The vast majority of the RNLI's volunteer crew members don't come from a professional maritime background - so every day is a school day.

In Eastbourne, new recruit Chris is put through his paces when two casualties are cut off by the tide near Beachy Head. On the coast of south Wales, Penarth crew member Tom is called up for his first ever shout when a female paddleboarder is caught out by the tide.

In Fistral, north Cornwall, 22-year-old lifeguard Kai races to the rescue of a young surfer who's in danger of being smashed on the rocks. And in Arbroath, on Scotland's east coast, crew member Stuart is called out to his first ever dog rescue.