This was sent to me by Les Bridgewater our Branch font of knowledge. Its origin is unknown so if anyone can tell us more we’d appreciate it.

On stormy nights, while some folks sleep,

lifeboat bleepers start to bleep,

there’s been a call,

win rockets flare and two big bangs disturb the air,

re-echoing around the quay to signify distress at sea.

The crewmen quit warm beds in haste (who knows what perils to be faced?)

but comrades disregarding fear make for the boathouse, don their gear, adrenalin is flowing free as men and lifeboat put to sea.

But, any time, by night or day maroons may summon them away, to tanker, fishing boat or raft, or yacht, or some unlikely craft,

or any other casualty at risk from the relentless sea.

Though often tough, rewards are rare, they do not seek the media’s glare but here’s to those in urgency who respond to an emergency, where strangers, just like you and me, may be in peril on the sea.