VOLUNTEER crews at Penarth and Barry Dock Lifeboat Stations will take to the small screen as they feature in the second episode of the BBC TV series Saving Lives at Sea.

Now in its fourth season, the documentary series showcases the lifesaving work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The new 10-part series features real rescues carried out by the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the UK and Ireland – including Barry Dock and Penarth.

The programme gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the charity’s lifesavers who are needed more than ever before, rescuing thousands of people and saving hundreds of lives around our coastline and on inland waterways every year.

The series features more dramatic real-life rescue footage, accompanied by emotive testimonials from the volunteer crews, lifeguards and the people they rescue and their families.

This forthcoming episode sees 24 crew members from Penarth, Barry Dock and Minehead RNLI undertake an early morning search for missing sailors in the Bristol Channel.

This incident will appear alongside rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around our coasts.

Lifeboat operations manager at Penarth Lifeboat Station, Jason Dunlop said: ‘It’s great to see the work we do on TV like this.

“We’re always grateful for the support we get from the public as we rely on donations to do what we do, so it great that all our supporters now get to see, from the comfort and safety of their own front rooms, exactly how they help us save lives.

“This shout required a large number of rescue assets to undertake a careful coordinated search, including our flank station of Barry Dock.”

Coxswain at Barry Dock, Martin Bowmer, who features in the forthcoming episode, said: “Saving Lives At Sea is such a great opportunity for our supporters to see the work that we do, that is only possible thanks to their kind donations.

“We’re so grateful for the public's support, and we hope that everyone watches to see our crew being part of a multi-agency search for three lost sailors.’

Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming filmmakers into their day-to-day life.

“Rescues from the RNLI’s archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.

This week, Saving Lives At Sea will not be broadcast in its usual time slot of Tuesday at 8pm on BBC 2 in Wales, and is instead available to watch on the BBC iPlayer after 9pm.

The episode will air as normal at 8pm on BBC 2 throughout the rest of the UK.

Although it is subject to change, the second episode featuring Penarth, Barry Dock and Porthcawl is planned to be shown on BBC 2 Wales on Saturday, September 7 at 3:30pm.

Saving Lives at Sea will continue throughout August, September and October.