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
Drowning Prevention, Parental Support, and Education: Maxine Johnson Shares Her Powerful Story - Beyond the Surface Ep. 4
Drowning Prevention, Parental Support, and Education: Maxine Johnson Shares Her Powerful Story - Beyond the Surface Ep. 4.
In this episode of Beyond the Surface, host Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE sits down with fellow water safety campaigner Maxine Johnson to share the powerful story of loss, resilience and advocacy following the drowning of Maxine’s son, Reuben. Together, they discuss the hard-earned lessons and urgent changes needed to prevent similar tragedies.
- The story of Reuben, his personality and the circumstances surrounding his drowning
- The lasting impact of drowning on families and the ongoing challenges of grief
- Key gaps in water safety education and why it needs to be part of the curriculum
- The importance of community and parent communication in keeping young people safe
- Strategies and hopes for the future of drowning prevention and support networks for bereaved families
Like and subscribe for more real conversations and practical resources on family and water safety. Check the description below for free downloads, workshop info, and ways to get involved.
Chapters
00:00 "Reuben's Story"
06:10 "Grief and Resilience"
07:49 Advocacy Journey
12:11 "Essential Water Safety Conversations"
14:22 Improving Support After Tragedy
18:42 Share & Subscribe for Support
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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/