As we celebrate Father’s Day (15 June), the RNLI is sharing its appreciation and support for all father figures who selflessly volunteer within its lifesaving community.
From dads, stepdads, to grandads, uncles to even close-friends, and mentors, there are many selfless father figures who volunteer within the charity, in an array of roles. These father figure volunteers continue to inspire others and support the RNLI’s lifesaving work within local communities across the UK and Ireland.
Many of the RNLI’s dedicated dads are joined by their children at stations, including father and daughter duo Sophie and Jason Collins. Jason started volunteering with Littlehampton’s volunteer crew in 2017 and since then, has taken Sophie to many station events and training sessions. Now 18, and after watching her dad helping to save lives at sea, Sophie joined the crew. In April, Jason and Sophie launched on their first shout together on Littlehampton’s previous D class lifeboat, the Ray of Hope, along with the rest of their crew, to assist a sinking jet ski.
Sophie has recently completed her Crew Emergency Procedures Course at the RNLI College, during which crew members gain new knowledge and experiences in a variety of emergency and survival procedures.
Jason Collins, Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station crew said: ‘Sophie and I are similar and used to doing lots of activities together. Volunteering as crew members at Littlehampton RNLI is one of our interests and passions. It’s a great way to give back to our local community, learn new skills and meet other likeminded people we wouldn’t have otherwise met. On Sophie’s first shout it was great to see her involved and putting her training into practice. When the helm selected the crew for the shout, it was an exciting moment, knowing we were heading out together.
‘The RNLI is like a family, where we all support and help each other with training, so that when we are assisting those in distress at sea, we are an effective team. It makes it more special when you can do this with your own family and see them develop skills that you know will keep them safe, help save others and serve them well in their future. I’m very proud that Sophie, as a young person with a busy life, decided to join and volunteer her time to help others.’
Jason is keen for Sophie to have her own RNLI journey and experience, learning as much as she can during training and from the experiences of other RNLI volunteers. This Father’s Day, Jason will be enjoying his other passion, playing in a national hockey tournament, but will no doubt find time to catch up with Sophie, who is travelling, on a call.
If you are feeling inspired by Jason and Sophie’s story and their courageous efforts to help save lives at sea, find out more about volunteering opportunities here.
