Mark Pusey will be with the RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat this Sunday
Mark Pusey volunteering for the RNLI. Picture: RNLI
RNLI Chiswick Lifeboat crew member Mark Pusey is used to huge crowds after performing on stage with Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Leona Lewis and Tom Jones.
However, he’ll be swapping his drumsticks for a drysuit this Sunday (3 April) when he takes to the water with his fellow volunteer lifeboat crew members to keep an expected crowd of a quarter of million people safe while they watch the university Boat Race.
Mark said, ‘I have to pinch myself sometimes considering what I do for a job – it’s great performing and seeing people enjoying the music – it just gives you an amazing buzz as you fully embrace the atmosphere whether it be on stage or recording in the studio as you enjoy the moment.
‘In contrast, in my time away from the drum kit I’m lucky enough to make a real difference in London as I volunteer for the RNLI helping save lives along the River Thames.
'It’s a far cry from standing side by side with a pop star, however, when you put your hand out to pull someone from the water in their moment of need, it gives you a different kind of buzz, a sense of satisfaction – a feeling you’ve made a difference and saved someone’s life.’
The RNLI is the official charity partner of the 2022 boat race and is celebrating 20 years on the Thames for its four lifeboat stations at Tower, Teddington, Chiswick and Gravesend.
The lifesaving charity has rescued more than 1,800 people during that time and saved 179 lives.
RNLI crew and lifeguards will be on hand again this weekend, in two lifeboats and nine inshore rescue boats along the championship course providing safety cover and offering advice to those watching on from the riverbank.
Mark is volunteer crew at Chiswick and said, ‘We’re expecting 250,000 spectators to be watching from the shore on Boat Race day. It’s rare to have a crowd that big gathered on a river bank though, and especially one as tidal as the Thames - so we’re asking those enjoying the day to take care and respect the water while having a fun day out.
‘We’ve been saving lives on the River Thames for 20 years now and it is always great to be involved with events like the Boat Race.
‘Our advice to those coming to enjoy the day is to be aware of your surroundings, as slips trips and falls can happen easily. If you do fall into the water unexpectedly, remember to float to live. Keep calm and try not to panic, lean back extending your arms and legs to keep your airway clear of the water and if you need to, gently move your arms and legs in a gentle motion to help you float. Once you have your breathing under control then consider swimming to a point of safety.
‘If you do see anyone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard and if you can, try and give a location as this will help rescue services get to those in difficulty quicker.’
Wayne Bellamy, Station Manager at Chiswick RNLI said, ‘We’re proud to be the official charity partner of the Gemini Boat Race and to be part of the historic race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
‘The partnership aims to raise funds to support the Thames’ lifesaving service with all proceeds going towards the running costs of the four RNLI stations along the river.
‘Our community safety teams have also been working with venues and schools along the course to provide lifesaving water safety training and encourage familiarity with throwlines.’
To support the Boat Race and RNLI Thames crews, you can donate to save lives in London here.
Find Articles Like This Useful? Help Us Produce More This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism. Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets. We’ve always done that and won’t be changing, in fact we’d like to do more. However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do. We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area. A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site. One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute. If you do support us in this way we’d be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor. For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least one article a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you’d like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site. |
April 2, 2022
