About this episode
Mark Smith discusses his experience during a challenging rescue operation that earned his crew Silver and Bronze Medals.
The force behind the launch - Mark Smith on powering his crew to a Silver Medal rescue When his pager went off on 20 May 2021, Trearddur Bay RNLI Tractor Driver Mark Smith knew exactly what it was about. Moments before, he’d looked out of his window and spotted three surfers struggling in treacherous swell and waves. Mark talks about the incredibly challenging shout, which led to his fellow volunteer crew members receiving Silver and Bronze Medals, and Mark himself receiving the Director of Operations Commendation. Mark shares what kept him calm facing the worst sea conditions he’d ever experienced – and how everyone played a vital part. 200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI Interview by the RNLI's James Dwyer Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200
People in this episode
Host: James Dwyer
Guest: Mark Smith
Topics covered
- rescue operations
- volunteer work
- lifesaving
- RNLI history
- community service
Keywords
- RNLI
- rescue
- Mark Smith
- Silver Medal
- Trearddur Bay
- volunteer
- surfing
- sea conditions
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: RNLI, Adventurous Audio, RNLI.org
More episodes of RNLI 200 Voices
- WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI · March 24, 2026 · 1 min
- Stories of Courage: a one-off wartime episode · November 4, 2025 · 56 min
- 201. Take Five: 200 voices compilation episode · October 22, 2025 · 25 min
- 200. A Lasting Honour: Mark Dowie · March 4, 2024 · 18 min
- 199. Home and Dry: Jon Nicholls · March 3, 2024 · 11 min
- 198. Righting History: Helen Doe · March 2, 2024 · 12 min
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