Weston-super-Mare RNLI volunteer has dedicated 60 years to saving lives at sea
"It all started when I was 12. A friend's dad ran pleasure boats and invited me down to help. I found out they were part of the lifeboat crew too and I never looked back," Mr Spindler said.The stretch of coast near Weston-super-Mare is home to the second highest tidal range in the world.Over his decades of service, Mr Spindler said he had seen it at its most unforgiving in 1978 when he swam into a flooded cave at Brean Down to rescue three boys and two coastguard volunteers.
"It was one of those nights you think should I really be doing this," said Mr Spindler. "But you do it, because there's a life at stake and you trust your crew completely."When you save a child, something else happens in your heart... you don't forget that."
Mr Spindler now spends his time looking after the Weston lifeboat boathouse and supporting crews."I still get the tea and biscuits in," he said.
He was awarded an MBE in 2016 by Prince William, but said: "It's not about medals."It's about saving lives. It's the greatest feeling in the world."I love it, I love Weston, I love the boats and I love the RNLI. We're one family wherever you go in the country, if you're lifeboat crew, you're home."Mr Spindler's dedication has been recognised by him being named as a finalist in the volunteer category of the BBC's Make a Difference Awards.
You can find out more about the BBC Make a Difference Awards where you live here.
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