Saving Lives Through Education: Saving Lives Through Education: Aaron Beacher's Work in Road Safety and Powerful Personal Motivations Ep. 11.

Join host Debbie Ann Turnbull MBE as she sits down with Aaron Beacher, an award-winning road safety educator, to discuss his personal journey, impactful advocacy work and ongoing commitment to raising awareness. Their candid conversation touches on real-life tragedy, resilience and the importance of mental health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Aaron's early inspiration to get involved in safety education after a life-changing classroom story
• His current role supporting students across North Wales and projects that make a difference
• The emotional impact of "Olivia's Story" and its effect on road safety awareness
• Personal stories of loss, resilience, and how family shapes Aaron's drive
• Honest insights into men's mental health, including support resources like Andy’s Man Club

Don't miss this episode of Beyond the Surface—real people, real stories, and important lessons.

Chapters

00:00 "Impactful Story of Water Safety"

03:57 Supporting Learners for Real World

08:38 "Driving Lessons and Personal Stories"

13:31 Loss, Memory, and New Purpose

15:42 Selflessness and Caring Reflection

19:14 Slipped Discs and Misdiagnosis

22:01 "Grateful for Supportive Wife"

27:07 Reflection on Love and Loss

30:41 "Real, Raw Conversations That Matter"

32:45 "Open to Conversations Always"

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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/

Uniting for Water Safety: Community, Partnership and Personal Stories That Save Lives with Dawn Whittaker - Ep.10.

Join host Debbie Ann Turnbull as she sits down with Dawn Whittaker, a decorated leader in UK drowning prevention, to discuss what it really takes to keep families safe around water. Discover the hard truths, lived experiences, and strategies that are shaping water safety across the UK.

• Dawn’s personal journey and what drew her into drowning prevention
• The evolution of water safety initiatives in the UK, including key national strategies
• The impact of data and research on targeting effective drowning prevention campaigns
• How partnerships and unified messaging have improved water safety awareness
• Practical advice and crucial safety tips for parents and young people around water

Like, subscribe, and check out the resources below for more tools on keeping your family safe and strong.

Chapters

00:00 "Origins of a Lifelong Journey"

05:59 Near-Drowning Experience to Lifesaving Journey

06:55 Promoting Water Safety Awareness

12:14 UK Drowning Prevention Strategy Launch

15:54 "Drowning Data Platform Launched"

19:35 Water Safety: Key Prevention Campaign

22:10 Navigating Support for Families

25:29 Coroner Support and Court Preparation

30:38 Honored at Windsor by Princess Anne

33:21 Water Safety for Teens

36:28 Promoting Water Safety Awareness

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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/

From Tragedy to Mission: How Communication Saves Lives with Tom Stanhope | Beyond the Surface Ep. 9.

In this special episode of Beyond the Surface, Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE sits down with Tom Stanhope from Podforge to explore the crucial role of communication in mission-driven work.

After losing her son Chris to drowning, Debbie transformed her grief into a powerful water safety movement through River and Sea Sense. In this candid conversation, she shares how she learned to tell her deeply personal story without being overwhelmed, the evolution from organic community support to formal organisation and the challenges of building credibility whilst navigating grief.

Tom, who has supported Debbie's work for years and now produces her podcast, reveals the strategic thinking behind effective mission communication and how podcasting can amplify important messages in an AI-saturated world.

Key Topics Discussed:

How to communicate personal tragedy for public good
The transition from informal advocacy to formal nonprofit work
Public speaking strategies for emotionally difficult topics
The role of authenticity in building trust with audiences
Strategic podcast development for mission-driven organisations
Balancing personal healing with public mission

Chapters
0:00 Introduction - Debbie introduces Tom Stanhope
1:40 How their professional relationship began
3:45 The challenge of communicating personal tragedy publicly
4:50 The immediate aftermath - week three after the funeral
6:30 Community response and first fundraising walk
8:15 Going back to school and recognising the need for action
9:10 First press conference - the catalyst moment
10:30 When did the mission become inevitable?
11:40 Setting up River and Sea Sense - the "whispered" name
12:50 The transition from organic to formal organisation
14:20 Support from the Unlimited fund and building confidence
16:30 Dealing with criticism and finding determination
17:40 The growth of media opportunities and awards
19:40 The emotional reality of school presentations
21:20 Why podcasting became necessary for the mission
23:00 Tom explains the strategic podcast development process
25:20 The unexpected business plan outcome
27:10 Tom's approach to working with mission-driven clients
27:50 Public speaking experiences - the biggest audiences
29:20 Speaking to 1,100 people at company conference
30:10 The Ireland drowning prevention conference
32:00 Using humour in difficult presentations
33:20 National Lottery Award and Bear Grylls moment
34:40 The power of communication to create change
35:40 Closing thoughts and next episode preview

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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/

n this powerful episode, Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE shares the devastating story of how she lost her son, Chris, to drowning. Despite being a strong swimmer, Chris fell victim to cold water shock when he jumped into water that was just 3-4°C - the same temperature as your fridge at home.

What You'll Learn:

- The reality of cold water shock and how it affects even the strongest swimmers
- Why water temperature of 3-4°C is fatal regardless of swimming ability
- The "boil" effect and underwater cave dangers that trapped Chris
- Float to Live technique that has saved countless lives
- Critical water safety awareness every parent needs to know
- Why vigilance matters

Key Insights from This Episode:

"It happens in a second. It's gone in a second. That's it. It's too late." - Debbie shares the harsh reality of water accidents and the importance of vigilance.

Float to Live Technique:
Learn the life-saving technique that involves floating with arms outstretched.

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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/

Meditation for helping your nervous system regulate. Beyond the Surface Ep.7.

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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/

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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/

Why Your Nervous System Keeps You Stuck + How to Break Free - Beyond the Surface Ep. 6.

After losing my son Chris, I learnt the hard way that regulating your nervous system is the key to healing from trauma and preventing burnout.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, I share why your nervous system is like a command centre that's constantly scanning for threats, and how learning to regulate it transforms how you manage emotions, self-talk and limiting beliefs.

What you'll discover:

Why what we think isn't always true (it's based on our lived experiences)
How to pause and respond calmly instead of reacting when triggered
The warning signs of nervous system dysregulation
A guided body scan meditation for instant calm
Why feeling into challenges is better than blocking them out

Try the body scan technique: Starting from your big toe, travel relaxation up through your entire body. You can do this anywhere when feeling stressed.

This is just the beginning, future episodes will include deeper relaxation sequences and meditation practices you can use again and again.

Chapters
0:00 Welcome to Beyond the Surface
0:40 Why nervous system regulation matters
2:57 Your nervous system as command centre
4:05 Feel into challenges, don't block them out
5:32 What's coming in future episodes
6:01 Membership and workshop information
6:45 Guided body scan meditation begins

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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/

My Personal Development Journey - Beyond the Surface Ep. 5

This solo episode is where I set out what drives me to keep on developing and expanding my knowledge. From the events that shaped me to the ideas that fuel me and help me keep moving forward, this episode shares it all in a raw and honest and, sometimes, emotional way. I hope that you find this useful.

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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/

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/