Published on 27 December 2019
University of Sunderland Journalism student Ryan Lim is one of the youngest recruits to boost the ranks of a life-saving coastal search team in Sunderland.
Ryan, 25, is part of the city’s Volunteer Life Brigade who keep watch on the coast at Roker in and liaise with the coastguard and lifeboats.
They recently appealed for more volunteers.
Ryan has been with the brigade's rescue team on round the clock stand-by since the summer.
The third-year student, originally from Singapore, had been visiting for a news story he had been writing for the University’s SR News when the crew asked if he would like to join them.
Ryan said: “Every Wednesday I’m down there training and doing search and rescue exercises off the coast.”
More volunteers are needed to monitor the coast from the watch house and to run the brigade's museum.
Ryan, who is due to graduate next summer, says he has enjoyed his three years in Sunderland.
He added: “The programme has given me a good grounding in kickstarting you into the industry.”