As part of the Great Yarmouth Mercury campaign to help Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service raise the money it needs to keep saving lives off shore and on the Broads, we will be getting to know the crew, who are all volunteers, that keep the service running not just out on the water but behind the scenes too.

This week, we kick off with Daniel Hurd, the lifeboat coxswain.

Whether braving the gunge at the annual lifeboat day, or working hard as the crew engineer, Dan is always at the forefront of the lifeboat service.

Dan knows the waters surrounding Hemsby and beyond like the back of his hand, having spent 15 years volunteering for the service.

“I first got involved because I like to be able to help people in need,” said Dan, 34, who has risen through the ranks to lead the tightknit crew.

“This role has a lot of different responsibilities; some are operational readiness, ensuring our equipment is up to spec, maintenance and crew welfare and discipline.

“But I also work outside of the team, in external technical support and coordination with the coastguard and other external agencies.”

Dan, who works as a welder for Network Rail, lives in Hemsby with his partner, Amanda and one-year-old daughter, Lucie.

“I like not only being part of our team but also working closely with the public,” he added.

“We work alongside other services too, like with the yacht that ran aground in Winterton in 2014,” said Dan.

Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service were assisted by Caister Lifeboat in July last year when a 40ft yacht sailing from Germany to Scotland hit a sandbank and overturned north of Great Yarmouth.

“That’s one of my most memorable call outs because the people onboard were in their 70s and it was great to know that we could help and get them to safety.”

The service had over 20 callouts in 2014 and that number looks to rise this year. On the necessity of the rescue service Dan said: “We are a vital service and the public needs the services we offer, we also cover the Norfolk Broads as one of only two Lifeboats to cover this area.

“We have also undergone flood training since we assisted the emergency services transporting people to and from their homes in Hemsby village with our Broads boat.

“As for the future, it’s onwards and upwards for the service, or at least that’s my plan!”

• To find out more about Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service, or to put yourself forward as a volunteer, get in contact by calling 01493 731641 or emailing contact@hemsbyinshorerescue.org.uk