5 minute read
SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
...with Brad Johnson, volunteer lifeboat crew member and fundraiser at Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station.
In 2024 it will be the RNLI’s 200th birthday, and so Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station crew member Brad Johnson, and his crewmates, are taking on 200 challenges, many with a ‘200’ theme, to raise funds for Skegness Lifeboat Station.
QWHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE RNLI? BRAD: There is something quite special about the RNLI. Whether it is the amazing work the charity does saving lives at sea, the comradery of the crew or the opportunities you get as a volunteer with the RNLI, there was something that drew me to volunteer when I moved back to Skegness in 2020. Joining has been the best thing I have ever done, and I would not change a thing about my experience so far. Q TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE SKEGNESS RNLI LIFEBOAT STATION. BRAD: Skegness is a dual boat lifeboat station situated on the East Coast of Lincolnshire. We have an allweather Shannon class lifeboat and D class inshore lifeboat. We are most busy during the summer months when the town comes alive with tourists. Most of our jobs include tourists who get into difficulty either in the water, near the beach or on pleasure crafts. We have had a station in Skegness for nearly 200 years and been a part of the RNLI since 1864, so we are one of the oldest institutions in the town and very much part of our local community. We have a crew of around 30 volunteers as well as an amazing team of fundraising and community volunteers who support the work of the station.
QWHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT SKEGNESS RNLI LIFEBOAT STATION? BRAD: All-weather lifeboat crew and inshore lifeboat crew and also a fundraiser and volunteer within the community team.
Image: RNLI/Nick Walton
One of the 204 tube stops across the London Underground network visited by Brad Johnson and Nick Walton in the epic tube challenge Brad Johnson, and his crewmates, are taking on 200 challenges to raise funds for Skegness Lifeboat Station
Image: RNLI/Nick Walton
QHOW DID THE IDEA FOR 200 CHALLENGES COME ABOUT? BRAD: When I found out the RNLI was celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024, I thought I needed to do something to celebrate it. I thought some challenges with a 200 theme would be an excellent idea. We have paused some of the challenges recently as it transpired that I love being involved in fundraising, which has led me to work closer with the Community and Fundraising Branch to support our annual Lifeboat Ball, which raised over £21,000 in October. I have also been supporting various events over the summer to raise funds for the station, so my journey into the 200 for 200 challenges has led to something much bigger and broader.
QWHAT HAS BEEN THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? BRAD: I think mentally demanding was the Tube Challenge. This was nearly 17 hours on a train in full lifeboat gear, which was a real mental struggle as you have both the physical exhaustion and the counting down one by one of each station, especially when we had 50 to go within the final two hours. Physically demanding was the walk from Skegness to Mablethorpe and back in full lifeboat kit. That took ages and was a really physical challenge. We started just after 8.00 in the morning and it was dark by the time I returned, so it was a real slog but worthwhile. Q THE CHALLENGES ARE RAISING FUNDS FOR THE LIFEBOAT STATION – CAN YOU GIVE US AN IDEA OF SOME OF THE COSTS INVOLVED IN RUNNING A LIFEBOAT STATION? BRAD: A total of six in 10 lifeboat launches are only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters leaving a gift in their Will. In addition, locally we hold fundraising events and open days to raise funds, all of which go towards keeping our volunteers safe by providing the best equipment and training when heading out to save others. The average annual cost for training a crew member is £1,400. In addition to the training, they will need the appropriate kit when heading out in all weathers - a drysuit will cost £804 for example. Every penny donated really does help save lives at sea.
QDO YOU SAIL WHEN NOT ON THE WATER WITH THE RNLI? BRAD: No, I do not and had limited boating experience before joining. The RNLI teaches you everything you need to know, whether you are an expert sailor or complete novice like I was.
QWHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE RNLI? BRAD: Pop in, say hello and keep turning up. It is not glamorous and it will mess up your sleeping pattern if you get a flurry of night jobs. However, if you keep turning up, for training and for the pager, I can honestly say it is worth it.
There is nothing more rewarding than this volunteering experience. You literally gain a whole new extended family by being crew. At times it can be tough, both physically and emotionally, but the bond you form with these people, who can be so different to you, is something indescribable.
QWHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/ INTERESTS OFF THE WATER? BRAD: I work in education so I am really passionate about that. Also, in the more low octane world, I build Lego in my free time – it is a real difference from the fast-paced lifeboating world but it is how I relax. Other than that, food, friends and travel. I love going out for dinner and going away with friends, many of whom are crew members. As I said, they do become family and they are literally always there for you, whenever and wherever you need them.
More information on the challenges: lifeboatfundraising.org/200 JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnli200 Facebook: facebook.com/rnli200 Instagram: RNLI200
