NATALIE ADAMS volunteer RNLI crew member at Dungeness Lifeboat Station
I photographed Natalie at my pop-up studio at Dungeness last summer.
Her family have a long history with the RNLI and her father is the current
Coxwain at the station.  They are very modest about their invaluable
work as volunteer lifesavers.

"I am the only female crew member at present but I would 100% recommend
volunteering to other women. I have always been made to feel so welcome
and part of the team. We are serious when we need to be but also have
a good laugh, and being part of a team you never feel like you are out
there on your own, and there is also great satisfaction knowing you've
helped someone at the end of the day. You don't need any sea going experience
as all training is provided, just a desire to learn and to get stuck in." 
"Dungeness was famous for it's Lady Launchers in the past, so there
has always been a strong positive theme of female volunteers at the
station. One of our original Lady Launchers still volunteers as our
press officer, and we have other women on the team involved in station visits,
fundraising and youth education, and all give up their time to save
lives at sea."

Natalie also works full-time as Helm at Gravesend Lifeboat Station
on the river Thames. There are currently ten female crew and last year
they had their first all female shift.

"My proudest moment at the RNLI was my passing out ceremony as a Helm
at Gravesend."