
In memory of David Dawson
Everyone at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station is mourning the loss of long-serving volunteer, David Dawson, who passed away on Monday 28 March in a tragic road accident.
A hugely popular figure at Littlehampton RNLI, David, who was 83, held numerous volunteer roles at the boathouse, including shop volunteer, boathouse manager and latterly as a member of the visits team. In this role, David showed the public, local schools, youth and adult organisations around the lifeboat station, where he told them all about the work of Littlehampton RNLI and important sea safety messages.
He'll be remembered for his infectious smile, inexhaustible knowledge of the RNLI and his friendly interaction with everyone who visited the lifeboat station.
Beyond the RNLI, David was a keen golfer and a fan of Sheffield United Football Club.
Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of David's death. He was a regular presence at our lifeboat station where he held several roles. He was cheerful and liked a chuckle – and took boathouse banter in his stride. We'll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family, and with the families of the other victims of this awful accident.’
David leaves his two sons, four grandchildren and sister. His funeral was held on Friday 22 April at Worthing Crematorium.
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
Beth Brooks, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI
07544 209256 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, London and South East
07785 296252 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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