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
A Partner’s Perspective: Supporting Firefighters in Their Battle for Water Safety - Ep. 3
A Partner’s Perspective: Supporting Firefighters in Their Battle for Water Safety - Ep. 3
Go beyond the uniform and discover what it really takes to stand beside a hero. In this episode, Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE interviews Julie Gowland Richardson about the reality of supporting a firefighter whose passion was born from tragedy.
- The rarely seen challenges faced by the families behind frontline heroes
- How Julie supported her husband Tommy's transition from firefighting to water safety advocacy
- Managing the emotional and psychological impact of high-risk emergency service careers
- Real-life stories of water safety innovation and community outreach
- Practical advice for partners and families of emergency service workers
Chapters
00:00 "Supportive Presence"
06:13 "Unexpected Growth of Community Program"
09:54 Engaging Water Safety for Kids
12:46 Passionate Fire Service Advocate
15:46 Firefighter Mental Challenges
20:17 "Transition to Full-Time Safety Role"
23:54 Supportive Friendship Advice
27:29 Perseverance and Passion's Legacy
29:02 "Empower and Share: Connect Today"
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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/