The lead presenter of the BBC’s long-running Coast series shares his admiration for our supporters and lifesavers – especially the volunteers who rescued him …

You’ve come face to face with more than a few lifeboat crew members, haven’t you?
Oh yes! Being the rescue dummy for the crew at Cardigan particularly sticks in the memory. And I have been left in the water off Donegal with only a flare for a friend before being winched up by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter and then lowered onto the Arranmore lifeboat, while it motored along. Plus I did the sea survival course at the RNLI College. All were money can’t- buy experiences that make me feel very privileged.

And you needed to be rescued for real on one occasion?
We were recreating the traditional cricket match on the Goodwin Sands, Kent, when the tide started coming in and our boat got stuck. The film crew and I were stranded, but Ramsgate and Walmer lifeboat crews came to our rescue. Seeing that orange livery coming into view is like the relief of a breakdown vehicle arriving – times a million.

We’re sharing enthusiasm for coastal walking this issue …
Great – I think walking is the best exercise there is. You just need a decent pair of shoes and coat. And coastal walking is special because the views are interesting throughout.

And how is the writing going?
I’ve worked on history books and lots of journalism, but now I’m writing my first novel – it’s historical fiction. It’s been fun working in the dramatic side of things, which I have inclinations towards. This is intended to be a page turner. I am a history enthusiast rather than an academic, you see.

Coast is going strong after a decade on our screens – what’s the secret of its success?
It’s a subject matter people don’t get bored of, because we are islanders. Humans can’t help but gaze at the sea – in the same way we gaze at the sky or a fire. And it’s so dynamic. It’s our holiday, our industry, our recreation. Coast explores that, as well as the natural history.

… and the lifeboats?
Absolutely! The lifeboats are so important – they make the same sort of difference to people’s lives as ambulances, police and the fire service. The distinction is that they are voluntarily crewed and voluntarily funded. That is a very moving thought. Our own citizens are prepared to donate towards the safety of others, regardless of creed or nationality. I’m proud that the RNLI is part of our islands.

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WHO IS NEIL OLIVER?
After qualifying as an archaeologist Neil trained as a reporter and worked with daily newspapers. He then combined his passion for history and journalism for BBC2’s Two Men in a Trench, which led to his presenting role on Coast. Since then he has worked on a host of other historical programmes and accompanying books.

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MY FAVOURITE …

ARTEFACT: Birka girl
‘ It’s the skeleton of a 5–6-year-old girl found in Sweden. Very small for her age and buried in 900AD with very high status. She’s a mystery I often think about.’

COUNTRY: Scotland
‘ I love our coast, the mountains, the islands. We still holiday in Fife and walk the same beach every day. We never tire of the place.’

FOOD: Roast chicken
‘ It tastes great but also symbolises a family event – me, my wife and children all love sitting round for chicken and all the trimmings.’