One of longest-serving crew members with the RNLI in Norfolk is set to navigate a new chapter after five decades helping saving lives at sea.
Coxswain and mechanic, Paul Watling, is stepping down from his role at Cromer RNLI after an extraordinary 40 years of dedication to the lifesaving charity.
His journey with the charity began in 1985 when he was encouraged by his friends to join in Happisburgh, becoming a volunteer mechanic and helm.
And after 20 years, he set sail to Cromer RNLI with a full-time position, where he continued to volunteer alongside his job and has been involved in countless shouts to help those in need.
Mr Watling said: "It’s been a real honour to be part of the lifeboat family for so many years.
"I’ve worked with some incredible people, and being able to help keep our crews and the public safe has meant the world to me.
"Cromer is a special station, and I’ll miss the buzz of it all."
He added that he felt lucky that he has been able to get paid to do something he has loved.
"It is going to be sad to leave it and I am going to miss it, but I think it's time."
He also said he could not have done it without the support of his family, who spent years watching him dash out of the door when the pager went.
"Their support has been everything," he added.
"One of my proudest moments has been seeing my daughter and son-in-law become volunteers here at the station."
He recounted one call around 10 years ago to a vessel on fire near Bacton, which saw firefighters flown in from Humber to fight to blaze.
Once the fire was out, the crew were taken on to the RNLI boat in the "survivor space" downstairs.
However, before they were able to get back to shore, 10 of them had all been sick. After the firefighters returned to their station in Humber, they then sent the RNLI a plaque as a thank you.
Derek Hinds, president of Cromer RNLI, praised Mr Watling's contributions and said: “Paul is one of those rare individuals who combines deep professional expertise with genuine warmth and humour.
"He has been central to the running of our station, and his commitment to both the crew and our community has been unwavering.
"His impact on the next generation of lifesavers cannot be overstated. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude and wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
John Redmond, Cromer RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: "Paul's knowledge of the boats, his calm presence under pressure and his ability to bring out the best in the crew have made him an irreplaceable part of the team.
"Paul leaves with the sincere thanks of everyone at Cromer RNLI and the wider lifeboat community. Plans are already underway to celebrate his exceptional service."
