Meet Your Coastguards: Michelle Fitt, Coastguard Rescue Officer
Why did you join HM Coastguard?
Michelle Fitt joined St Ives Coastguard Rescue Team as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in 2018 after seeing a recruitment advert online.
She said: “I’ve always been running on coastal paths, and I’ve always been on the water gig rowing or paddleboarding, so I knew how vital the coastguard’s work was in our local area.”
“Volunteering felt like the perfect way to give something back to my community, while learning new skills and being part of something that really matters.”
What is the most unusual incident you have attended?
“It always makes me smile to think of when we were tasked to an individual on rocks, which wasn’t unusual, but when we were told we were looking for ‘King’, it wasn’t what we were expecting!” says Michelle.
“Thankfully, the individual was absolutely fine, but it’s not every day you get called out to check on royalty in St Ives.”
What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?
Michelle’s keen to point out that while it isn’t ‘wild’, she’s often pinged when she’s out in the wilderness, running paths and trails in Cornwall. “There’s nothing like the pager to suddenly pick up your pace,” she says.
“There’s also a ‘running joke’ among my team that every time I dye my hair, we end up with a call out within 24-38 hours, so perhaps that’s the real pager trigger!”
What is the most challenging part of your role?
“Some incidents can be tough, especially when they involve mental health,” says Michelle. “But the support we give and receive as a team makes such a difference.
“There’s always someone by your side and knowing that together we’ve been able to help someone in a difficult moment is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Which local beach is your favourite and why?
“That’s a tough one because we’re really spoiled here in St Ives. I’d probably say Carbis Bay or Porthminster. I spend so much time there with my dog Jake, he loves it as much as I do!”
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?
“For me, it’s the camaraderie,” says Michelle. “We’re a proper close-knit crew, and everyone mucks in to get the job done safely, no one person is more important than the other.”
“Whether it’s a long night on the cliffs, a tricky search, or being deployed as part of the flood team, you know the person next to you has your back. That trust and support is priceless.”
“And there’s always plenty of laughter; you go into situations as a team, you come away as a team, and you know you’ve made a difference together.”
What new skills have you learned as a CRO?
From first aid and radio communications to search techniques, cliff safety and flood response, Michelle’s picked up a raft of skills during her time as a coastguard. “I’ve learned so many new skills, and our training is second to none,” she says.
It’s a particular mindset that’s proved most useful to Michelle, who’s learned to stay calm under pressure and above all, work as part of a team no matter what the challenge. “I’ve built confidence and resilience, and those skills spill over into everyday life too,” she says.
When you’re not working or volunteering as a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?
“Running is a big part of my life. I’ve completed some ultra races this year and I’m training towards a 100km race in the Brecon Beacons in 2026,” says Michelle.
“I love the challenge and the freedom of being out on the coast paths. When I’m not running, I’m usually with my dog Jake, who makes sure I never sit still for long.”
What do you do for a living?
Michelle specialises in LinkedIn lead generation and runs a virtual assistant business called Your office Pixie, which supports business owners with administration and project work.
“My work keeps me busy and creative, but it’s also flexible, which means I can balance running a business with volunteering as a Coastguard,” she says.
“I love that mix: helping businesses grow on one hand, while giving back to my community on the other.”
