Volunteer rescuers, who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week across our coastline have reflected on a "busy year" as they urge people to stay safe.

The hard working, dedicated volunteer coastguard rescue officers – who respond to maritime emergencies and those on the Broads – are continuing to help keep people safe.

With Her Majesty’s Coastguard having sought to search, to rescue and to save lives since 1822, last year marked the milestone 200-year anniversary of the organisation.

This was celebrated in Lowestoft and Southwold on January 15, 2022 - with throw lines symbolically thrown at iconic points across the country - and this week the HM Coastguard rescue team in Lowestoft has looked back on "a year to remember".

Last year saw 220 rescues, an increase of 40 compared to 2021.

Claire Denby Hall, station officer at Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team, said: "It was a year to remember, with some incredible successes and committed search and rescue efforts from the team, as well as marking such a significant birthday.

"Being a part of HM Coastguard’s 200th celebrations has been really special and our event on the Norfolk Broads in the autumn really made us feel a part of something special.

"It has also been a busy year, our team was sent to a wide variety of incidents, from rescuing people in trouble at the coast to helping our emergency service partners in medical incidents and missing people searches."

After responding to 179 call-outs in 2021, the Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team - which covers an area from Hopton to Southwold - responded to "around 220 incident taskings" last year.

Reflecting on this, and looking ahead to the new year, Mrs Denby Hall added: "We have also worked alongside our RNLI partners to make sure everyone gets back to shore safely, with help from our helicopter teams too.

"We hope that this year will result in as many successful rescues and getting people back safely.

"Remember to be careful around water and wear a lifejacket for any water-based activities, wear sensible shoes and clothing if you’re planning a walk and always take a fully charged mobile phone.

"Check tide times and pay close attention to local advice.

"Please have a very safe year and if you see someone in need of our help, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."