A Teddington couple are preparing to swap their Christmas roast for knots and wellies this festive season as they embark on their first Christmas volunteering with Teddington RNLI.

Sam and Jan Lowe joined the charity that saves lives at sea earlier this year as part of the shore crew, who help launch and recover the lifeboat when it's called out on a rescue.

Over the past five years, Teddington RNLI, a station run entirely by volunteers, has been launched nine times during the festive period (24 December to 1 January) and Mr and Mrs Lowe are ready to play their part on the open waters when called upon.

Speaking about how it feels to be on call for the first time, Tech Director, Sam said: "I imagine the first few times when you get the call, you're bound to be nervous and exhilarated by it. Maybe the exhilaration never goes, but yet I'm very determined to get it right and focus so the lifeboat can go out into the river as quickly as possible.

"We've been practising for a long time, so we'll look forward to getting it all done well."

Sam and Jan Lowe at Teddington Lifeboat Station (Credit: RNLI).

As the parents of three boys, Sam and Jan are both really keen to ensure people know about the dangers posed by the River Thames and to do all they can to prevent tragedies in its often treacherous waters. This has motivated them even more to volunteer for the RNLI.

Tech architect Jan added: "We've been acutely aware that we've got two 14-year-old boys who go to school on the other side of the river, and they spend a lot of time around the water. Children and young people often go to the Thames to cool down in the hot weather and jump into the river without knowing the risks.

"The RNLI seemed a fantastic charity to be involved in because of the many roles you can have that contribute to saving somebody's life."

The Teddington couple have been participating in online and weekly training exercises covering everything from boat handling, equipment, types of knots and mental health. They meet the crew every Tuesday and the occasional Saturday and are hoping to join the crew on the lifeboat next year.

From left to right, helm Samantha Armatage, lifeboat crew Steph Witty, and shore crew Jan and Sam Lowe (Credit: RNLI/Ollie G Monk).

Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI, said: "At this time of year, the weather's at its worst and lives are on the line. We know that every time our crews go out they hope for a good outcome, but sadly this sometimes isn't the case.

"There's no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. As lifeboat crew we couldn't rescue people without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our families."

Teddington RNLI has launched its two inshore D-class lifeboats 102 times this year, its busiest year to date, and is currently the 20th busiest lifeboat station in the UK.

The station is launching its Christmas appeal as the charity asks for help to continue its lifesaving work at sea on the Thames, to make a donation now visit the link HERE