About Seaham
Located on the North East coast, Seaham is around six miles south of Sunderland. With its sandy beach, the lively harbour is a popular spot for those walking Durham’s Heritage Coast.
The town is also home to one of the UK’s oldest surviving churches, and a captivating 9ft tall sculpture "Tommy" by artist Ray Lonsdale that depicts a World War one soldier.
Within County Durham, Seaham’s Coastguard Rescue Team of six oversee an area from the River Wear to the River Tees flanked by Sunderland and Hartlepool CRTs.
We joined Seaham Station Officer Paul to find out more about his work as part of the Seaham Coastguard Rescue Team.
Why did you join HM Coastguard?
Joining the Coastguard had been a life goal for me for several years but work commitments had always been in the way. In 2022, I was lucky enough that I was able to join and give back to the Coast I have enjoyed visiting my whole life.
What is the most unusual incident you have attended?
Probably a tasking to a mysterious sighting of a black parachute entering the water in darkness 300 metres off the beach, but nothing was found.
What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?
It’s less of a question of being in an unusual place, but it always seems to be just as I pick up a knife and fork!
What is the most challenging part of your role?
We respond to a lot of mental health incidents which can be difficult to deal with, especially when the casualty does not necessarily want to be helped in the first instance.
Which local beach is your favourite and why?
Seaham’s Glass Beach is great for sea glass picking and a peaceful walk wave watching.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?
The team camaraderie and working together in challenging environments to help people is what I enjoy most.
What new skills have you learned as a CRO?
Where do I start? The training within the Coastguard is fantastic, from rope and WSAR, to search techniques. Learning is a constant, and being a CRO there is always a new situation or technique to take on board, be it a training session or a live job.
When you’re not working or volunteering as a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my family and exploring the North East coastline
What do you do for a living?
I’m a General Manager at Warden Law Motorsports Centre in Sunderland
