Beyond the Surface
Beyond the Surface brings you life-saving water safety education and practical mental well-being tools from someone who truly understands both worlds. Hosted by Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE, this podcast combines the heart of a mother who lost her only son to drowning with the expertise of a professionally trained trauma-informed practitioner and water safety specialist.
After transforming her profound grief into purpose, Debbie has worked directly with the RNLI, police, fire services and emergency responders to understand what really keeps families safe around water. Her unique approach makes safety education accessible to busy parents whilst addressing the mental health skills that support both individual wellbeing and family resilience.
Each episode delivers powerful conversations, practical and memorable safety knowledge you can implement immediately, alongside mental health ideas that help you manage stress, support others and create lasting positive change.
Whether you're a parent seeking confident water safety knowledge, a professional in caring roles or someone on a healing journey, you'll find actionable insights delivered with authenticity and compassion.
Perfect for: Safety-conscious parents, HR and wellbeing professionals, healthcare and education workers, anyone interested in trauma recovery and nervous system health.
New episodes every Thursday.
Beyond the Surface
Life-Saving Lessons: Firefighter Tommy Richardson’s Mission to Prevent Drownings Across the UK - Beyond the Surface Ep. 2
Life-Saving Lessons: Firefighter Tommy Richardson’s Mission to Prevent Drownings Across the UK - Beyond the Surface Ep. 2.
Firefighter Tommy Richardson joins host Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE to discuss how personal tragedy inspired real change in UK water safety. Get the facts, practical advice and behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of rescue and prevention.
Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
- The 2013 water incident that changed Tommy’s life and sparked new national safety efforts
- How the Waterside Responder Scheme was created—and what it’s achieved so far
- The impact of water rescue work on mental health for emergency responders
- Essential water safety tips every parent and teen should know
- How you can get involved in water safety advocacy in your area
For more resources and support, check out the links below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations on family safety and well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:55 Water Safety Advocacy Catalyst
06:46 Advocating for Water Safety Awareness
12:16 "Throw Bag Water Rescue Proposal"
12:55 Collaborative Donation Effort Initiation
18:20 Managing Emotional Impact of Incidents
19:53 Communication Disparities and Expectations
24:38 Join Waterside Responder Community
26:55 Essential Swimming Skills for Kids
30:12 Resisting Peer Pressure
33:07 Summer Tragedy in Chester
35:56 "Ending the Unwanted Club"
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Connect with Debbie and find out more about her work here:
W: www.riverandseasense.com
E: debbie@riverandseasense.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverandseasense
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-anne-turnbull-mbe-33190510/