As you read this, an RNLI pager will probably be going off somewhere. Heads will turn to the ear-piercing beeps, adrenaline will pump and someone will be leaving in a hurry.

But what about the significant others who are left behind: the wives, husbands, children and parents of our lifesavers? How do they feel when their loved one gets that call – and what practical impact does it have on their daily lives?

The Children: Emily and Mia Davies

Mia (4):
‘My daddy is Hugh Davies, the coxswain of Barry Dock lifeboat. The crew call him Spud. He helps lots of people. His pager has been beeping lots lately … normally when we are eating our tea or having fun. He switches the noisy pager off and shouts ‘bye!’ I wave and hope he comes back quickly.’

Emily (9):
‘I love that my daddy is on the lifeboat, even though he can’t come on fun days all of the time. He saves people and is a huge hero to us. I get so excited when I hear the pager. I run to the window and watch him zoom off. I know he will be safe because the lifeboat is the safest boat of all and daddy’s can turn itself over if it capsized. I can’t wait till he gets home so I can hear what has gone on. As soon as he is back we give him a big hug to say well done but sometimes we are in bed and have to wait until the next day. Daddy has been called out a lot this Summer, usually around teatime so we have to put his in the oven until he gets back.’

The Parents: Peter and Frances Hickey

Frances:
‘Our son Lorcan joined Kinsale lifeboat last year. He is 18 and still lives at home. My heart misses a beat when I hear those beeps. Usually, I’m terrified until I know he’s safe. He always texts me when he’s back at the station though. I worry especially in the Winter – with the wind, rain and dark nights. On one particularly stormy night, we still hadn’t heard from him by 11pm so I sent Peter out for an update! Lorcan doesn’t tell me much about what’s happened on a shout – they keep all that "in the boathouse". It’s important work and he loves being on the crew. We’re immensely proud of him.’

Peter:
‘I’m not always around to hear the pager but I’m a protective dad and I’ll be on tenterhooks until I hear that Lorcan’s back safely. I’ve taken comfort from talking to the guys at the station. I’ve learned how things work and how serious the RNLI is about training, safety and equipment. Lorcan has been mentored by some of the most experienced crew so my fear of the unknown has been taken away. Sometimes I worry about the way he dashes off but I just have to accept that he’s doing it safely. Lorcan is a level-headed lad and I respect his judgement. He could probably teach me a thing or two!’

The Partner: Helen Blaker-Rowe

‘My husband Martin is an RNLI trainer and on the Flood Rescue Team. His pager went off the first time he met my mum and dad. He had just opened our front door to them when he said: "Hi, I’m Martin … bye." They’ve never let him live that one down! ‘When Martin was on the Littlehampton crew, I’d go with him when the pager went off. I’d sit at the station listening to the radio. I don’t sleep well if he’s on a job and we have an agreement that he will always text me. I worry, but I think it goes to the back of my mind. Like last Christmas, when he was called to the Umberleigh floods (see the Lifeboat issue 603). I could see it all unfolding on the news but it didn’t compute that he was actually there. Maybe that’s denial. I was choked when I saw the reconstruction months later. ‘I’d like to think Martin wouldn’t tackle anything too dangerous but I know the training and kit is first rate – and boats are more natural to him than driving a car.’ Watch a film on the Umberleigh flood rescue that earned Martin and the team RNLI Gallantry Medals at RNLI.org/2012.

The Couple: Adam and Paula Bancroft

Adam:
‘My wife Paula has been a crew member at Tower for 10 years. She’ll do two 12-hour shifts back-toback while I’m at home looking after the children. Then we’ll swap roles for the next time. Working the Thames can be pretty full on. We’ll see as much major trauma as your average ambulance crew. It’s only because I know what’s involved that my mind is at rest when Paula’s away. She’s in good hands and our training is the best.’

Paula:
‘I don’t feel worried when Adam is away on a shift … it’s more like jealousy! As paramedics, we’re used to dealing with tough situations and have huge respect for each other’s skills. The RNLI is a big part of our lives so this setup feels normal. We just write ‘Bancroft’ on the station rota and surprise our crewmates with which one of us it will be!’