A LAW professor will be spending his first Christmas volunteering at a lifeboat station for the RNLI.

Christopher Townley, 50, is taking part in an on call rota to ensure that the lifeboat from Brighton lifeboat station is launched safely and appropriately.

He said: "Volunteering is always something I have been passionate about and, having lived in Brighton for four years now, I was keen to do something positive locally.

"I enjoy sea swimming and know about the work of the RNLI so when I saw the role advertised I applied straight away."

Chris is a launch authority - the person who works with the coastguard and helm to make sure the lifeboat can launch.

Since starting in the role in March, Chris said he has gained a greater understanding about the tides and weather, as well as the capabilities of the lifeboat and how to properly assess when it is safe for it to launch.

He said: "I've also met a really nice group of friendly, interesting, dedicated people from a variety of backgrounds.

"It's a positive and encouraging atmosphere, I'd really encourage anyone thinking about volunteering in the new year to keep an eye on the website and to go for it."

Over the past decade, RNLI lifeboats have been launched over 1,200 times during the festive period, which rescues only possible as a result of donations from the public, that help fund essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round.

Chris said: "Even at Christmas, our lifesavers are ready to drop everything at a moment's notice and rush to the aid of someone in trouble on the water.

"At this time of year, the weather is at its worst and lives are on the line.

"We hope that this year's Christmas appeal will show people just how tough it can be, but also that with their help we can get so much closer to our goal of saving every person from drowning."

RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service across the coasts of the UK and Ireland, operating 238 lifeboat stations over both countries.

Since the charity was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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