WHEN you find out you’ve just made history in one of the nation’s most well-respected and established institutions, how do you celebrate?

You don’t really, you’re just doing your job - according to RNLI trailblazer Di Bush anyway.

It comes after the sea rescue charity entered new waters by appointing Ms Bush as a full-time female coxswain for the first time since its inception 200 years ago.

Harwich RNLI made the landmark move by naming her as the role’s new tenant, having been the station’s mechanic since 2017.

Ms Bush joined the organisation as a volunteer at Falmouth RNLI in 2003 and will now be taking over as coxswain on September 1 after Neal Sandquest stood down last month.

But, despite 18 years of life-saving service, she insists she’s no hero, far from it apparently.

“I’m really pleased, but I don’t look at myself and think I’m a history maker, I’m just doing what I signed up to do,” she said.

“Of course, I’m really pleased and proud, all the volunteers are behind me and it really is a team effort, we’ve got an amazing, dedicated crew who have the most infectious dedication and enthusiasm.

“I still get the same buzz when my pager goes off as I did on my first call 18 years ago, I’m straight up and ready to try to help bring someone back to their family.

Read more >> Harwich RNLI appoints charity's first ever female coxswain

“If we were to go back to the institution’s beginning, then it certainly would’ve been different for me, I wouldn’t have been able to offer as much.

“Back then the boats were rowed, but they’ve moved on now and so has technology and society.

"Everyone has their own skillset to offer and it’s not just the people who get into the water, our fundraisers, shop volunteers, box collectors – they all play as important a role.

“For me, you really remember the calls where you made a difference.

"You have the sad ones you don’t want to remember, but they’re always in the back of your mind, I just try to help as best as I can.”

During her 18 years with the charity, the highly-experienced Ms Bush has also been a helm and a second coxswain.

It’s not the first time she has made history either, having been the first woman in the charity’s history to hold the role of full-time mechanic.

A highly-qualified mariner outside the RNLI, Ms Bush was previously the coxswain on board the Star of Life, South West Ambulance’s service boat, providing medical cover to the outer Scilly Isles.

The charity has now said it wants to encourage greater representation of women in its search and rescue roles.

“Di is a trailblazer in this regard and for some years now has been an inspiration to other women, both within the RNLI or thinking about joining our charity,” said Sue Kingswood, RNLI’s inclusion and diversity manager.

“We’re working hard to make sure when people do come forward to volunteer or work at the RNLI, they’re made to feel welcome and stay.

“What we’re doing to encourage greater representation of women is a microcosm of what we need to do to get people with diverse experiences and perspectives joining the RNLI.”

Harwich RNLI manager Peter Bull added: “I am looking forward to working alongside Di, who is well-liked and respected on station, has a wealth of knowledge, and a desire to ensure Harwich RNLI continues to be a welcoming environment for all volunteers, where their abilities can flourish.”

Area lifesaving manager Graeme Richardson added: “I am so pleased to welcome Di into the role with her vast experience and qualifications.

“She has already made a significant contribution to lifesaving at Harwich and south Suffolk.”