THE LIFESAVING crew at the country’s “biggest and busiest” RNLI station are ordinary Southend citizens, and they are calling on the public to help.

“We save lives at sea, whether human or animal,” primary school teacher and RNLI crew member Daryl Sholem said.

Daryl is one of 45 crew members at Southend’s two RNLI lifeboat stations, who save lives on a regular basis. In total, 100 volunteers help run the branch.

Echo: Southend RNLI crew on a training exercise.Southend RNLI crew on a training exercise. (Image: RNLI)

He says donations are “vital” to continue the service’s work.

Daryl added: “60 per cent of the total funds donated to the RNLI comes from gifts left in wills. Six out of every ten rescues around the country are funded by legacy donations.”

Echo: Volunteers are also responsible for the maintenance of their lifesaving craft.Volunteers are also responsible for the maintenance of their lifesaving craft. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Bar worker and cleaner Maria Millgate is one of two female crew members and is “incredibly proud” to help save lives.

She said: “When children see you, they see heroes. It’s inspiring for them.”

Echo: A Southend RNLI lifeboat out on a call in 1925, to rescue yachtsmen in trouble during a fierce gale.A Southend RNLI lifeboat out on a call in 1925, to rescue yachtsmen in trouble during a fierce gale. (Image: Archive)

“Last year, we came back from a training exercise and were spotted by a group of children. We could see them waving, and one of them was a little girl.

“When I took my helmet off and she could see I was a woman, she was even more excited. It just shows girls like her that anyone can get involved.”

Echo: Southend's two lifeboat stations boast two D-Class lifeboats and a hovercraft.Southend's two lifeboat stations boast two D-Class lifeboats and a hovercraft. (Image: RNLI)

Plumber Nigel Gilchrist joined the RNLI’s shore crew after he was rescued while sailing.

He said: “In 2020, I was in 30-foot yacht in the Irish Sea with two friends and we had to be rescued. That drove a nail in, and I decided that I had to give something back.

“I waited for the right position and finally joined six months ago. It’s my dream role.”

Echo: Each lifejacket costs around £590.Each lifejacket costs around £590. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Marcus Dean added: “It’s nice to put time into something I’m passionate about. Southend is a lot more than ‘kiss me quick’ and floating on a Lilo. There are lots of people who want to use the water safely.”

Echo: Southend's second lifeboat station is based at the end of the pier.Southend's second lifeboat station is based at the end of the pier. (Image: RNLI)

However, Marcus has urged the public to be considerate of crew members rushing to the station in an emergency.

“When the lifeboat needs to launch, you’ve got 15 or 20 people trying to get across town. That can be made more difficult by people who don’t realise we need to get there quickly.

“Our biggest concern about getting the boat in the water is getting people down here. The public can make that easier by looking out for the ‘RNLI crewmember’ signs in our car windscreens and letting us through.”

Echo: Volunteer crew member Daryl is a primary school teacher and skilled hovercraft pilot.Volunteer crew member Daryl is a primary school teacher and skilled hovercraft pilot. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

The crew operates across two stations, on either end of Southend Pier. Southend Lifeboat opened in 1879, starting out with rowing and sailing lifeboats. Today, it boasts two D-class lifeboats and a hovercraft.

Residents are urged to help fund the RNLI’s essential work via its website: https://rnli.org/

Apply to join the crew here: https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/