Over recent weeks, there has been a great deal of discussion about the RNLI and the work carried out by its volunteer lifeboat crews, writes Cllr Bill Revans.
Amid all the debate, I think it's important to pause for a moment and remember who these volunteers really are.
They are not politicians.
They are not policymakers.
They are not the people making national decisions or setting government policy.
They are ordinary people.
They're mechanics who put down their tools when the pager sounds.
They're nurses who have already spent a shift caring for others.
They're parents leaving their children at home.
They're neighbours, colleagues and friends who stop whatever they're doing because somebody, somewhere, needs help.
When the call comes, they do not know what they will find.
All they know is that a life may be at risk.
The boots go on.
The helmet goes on.
The lifeboat launches.
And behind every volunteer is a family member watching them walk out of the door and hoping they will return safely.
That is a reality many of us never have to think about.
RNLI volunteers do not ask who somebody is before they respond.
They do not ask about nationality, religion, politics, background or bank balance.
They do not ask whether that person has ever donated to the RNLI or whether they agree with everything the charity does.
They simply see someone in danger.
Their response is not, "Who are they?"
It is, "Someone needs us. Let's go."
That simple principle lies at the heart of everything the RNLI stands for.
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When a rescue is over, the story doesn't end.
The boat is cleaned, the equipment is checked, and everything is made ready for the next launch.
Then these volunteers return to their day jobs, their families and their normal lives, often knowing they have work waiting for them the next morning.
They ask for little in return.
That is why I think it is important to recognise the incredible support that so many people continue to show the RNLI.
Every donation, every kind message, every encouraging word and every child waving at a passing lifeboat matters more than people may realise.
Support like that reminds volunteers that their communities stand behind them.
There will always be political debates and disagreements.
That's part of a healthy democracy.
People are entitled to their opinions.
But the men and women who climb aboard lifeboats are not there to make political statements.
They are there to save lives.
On somebody's very worst day, when they are cold, exhausted, frightened and facing real danger, an RNLI crew represents hope.
Human beings helping other human beings.
That is something worth celebrating and supporting.
To every RNLI volunteer in Somerset and around the coast of the United Kingdom: thank you.
Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the risks you take, and for the countless hours you give to helping complete strangers.
Tomorrow, the pager will still be beside the bed.
The boots will still be waiting by the door.
And if somebody needs help, you'll go.
For that, you have my respect, my gratitude and my unwavering support.
Saving lives at sea.
Whoever needs them.
Whenever they are needed.
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