Senior Lifeguard Alex Wake

After losing a dear friend to the sea, Senior RNLI Lifeguard Alex Wake explains why he never underestimates the power of the water.

'In 2013, a great friend of mine, Jacob Cockle, lost his life in the ocean trying to capture images from the inside of a whirlpool.

'He was one of the most experienced watermen I have met, a great bodyboarder and surf photographer.

‘He had the utmost respect for the sea and its unforgiving powers.

'His legacy should be a reminder to myself, my friends and everyone else that the ocean is a powerful beast that shouldn't be taken for granted.’

The water should be massively respected by everyone – however experienced or inexperienced you are.

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