The RNLI'S first ever female full-time Coxswain has spoken about the importance of the charity as it marks its 200th anniversary. 

RNLI trailblazer Di Bush, from Harwich RNLI,  was appointed as the first full-time female coxswain in 2021 after first volunteering in Falmouth in 2003.

Di has shared the importance of people checking weather and tide reports as she looks to the future for the organisation. 

She said: "My message for today for the RNLI on our 200th anniversary is it's a hell of a milestone for everybody that's that is involved and it has been involved with the institution over the years.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Trailblazer - Di Bush first female full-time coxswain at Harwich RNLI Trailblazer - Di Bush first female full-time coxswain at Harwich RNLI (Image: Submitted)

“But I think also, some of the safety messages that they put out to try and inform people are important because we can travel around a lot more these days."

Di added: "We can have inflatable paddle boards, kayaks that we can put in the back of our cars and go and use.

"People need to be mindful that it really is easy to get a weather forecast. It really is quite easy to get tide information of where you're going and doing your boating activity.

"And by just doing that, you might find that you actually help yourselves out and keep yourself safe."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Landmark - Inside the Westminster Ceremony celebrating the landmark 200th anniversary Landmark - Inside the Westminster Ceremony celebrating the landmark 200th anniversary (Image: RNLI Harwich)

Di was also the first woman in the charity’s history to hold the role of full-time mechanic and outside the RNLI is a highly-qualified marine, previously being the coxswain on board the Star of Life, South West Ambulance’s service boat, providing medical cover to the outer Scilly Isles.

The RNLI says women have played a key part in its success since its creation in 1824 – especially since 1969 when Elisabeth Hostvedt became the first fully qualified woman on a lifeboat crew.

Di added: "If we all do our bit through the time that I'm in it and other people are in it, then we will leave the right legacy going forward for the next 200 years as well."