‘There was peace and quiet ... that can change within seconds when the pager goes off.'

That contrast was the inspiration behind this prize-winning photo by RNLI Crew Member Neville Murphy. Neville's shot captures the crew changing room at Dunmore East Lifeboat Station in a rare moment of serenity, earning him the title of RNLI Photographer of the Year 2012.

‘I'm absolutely delighted,' he said. 'I'm new to photography and this was the first competition I have entered.'

Runner-up was Crew Member Paul Collins from Abersoch. His picture was taken during a shout in September 2012, after the crew had arrived on scene to find just the bow of a boat sticking out of the water (top). Thankfully, they were able to get its three occupants to safety.

Third place was clinched by Jake Clifford, Lifeguard Supervisor for Weymouth and West Dorset. Jake's shot was taken during a major incident where he and his fellow lifeguards cleared the landing site for Coastguard helicopter Rescue 106 to take a casualty to hospital (top middle).

Neville was presented with a new Pentax Optio camera, as well as a framed print of his winning photo. He and the runners-up also received a certificate signed by Chief Executive Paul Boissier.

The annual competition is open to lifeboat crews and lifeguards, and celebrates their lifesaving work through their own photographs. This year, for the first time, the short-listed entries were showcased on our Facebook page and the public were invited to vote online from a shortlist. We had a great response and gained an extra 1,200 'fans' in the process!