
Celebrating Dads on the River at Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station
Dads are special, but Teddington RNLI Lifeboat crew sons and daughters think their dads are especially special.
Lifeboat crew members get to Teddington RNLI Lifeboat station as soon as possible when help is needed on the river. They also may be involved in educating schools and youth groups about water safety, keeping the boats in top condition, welcoming visitor groups and much more. All of this means that they may not be at home as regularly as other dads.
Ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday 18 June, Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station dads have been thanked by their own children with some great artwork showing in their dry suit.
Sophie aged 10 and Jake aged eight were pleased to say about their Dad, Chris, volunteer lifeboat crew member ‘I’m very proud about what Daddy does, and he loves it too.’ and ‘I am happy when I hear Dad’s pager go off because he’s going to save someone.’ Volunteer life boat crew member, Sam’s daughter, 11 year-old Anna said, ‘My Dad started doing the lifeboats about a year ago he spends lots of time training, (and going to the pub after training!). When the pager goes off in our house everything stops as he runs off to the station. I think it’s really cool that he helps people.’
It's not just young children who are proud of their fathers. Evan, 23 was full of praise for Tim James, volunteer helm, ‘As we grew up, we watched our dad serve to protect. Whether it would be responding to an emergency call out, search and rescue or serving the community. This was a true testament of his character and what it means to be part of the RNLI, and we are proud to call him our Father.’ Tim was also keen to underline how proud he is of Evan, his brother, Daniel and his sister Heidi.
Gracie, said of her dad, volunteer helm, Ray Searles, ‘Any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad. A good dad is often unappreciated and unnoticed. I am so grateful to have a dad that has shown up for me consistently and never let me down. Volunteering with the RNLI also means he’s there for others. I want him to know that he is the best dad anyone could ever ask for.’
Picture credit goes to Tristan, who drew pictures to show his dad, Rupert, lifeboat crew member, in action.
Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station wishes all their volunteer dads a very happy Father’s Day and thanks them for all that they do whether on the water or on shore.
If you are interested in joining RNLI dads (and mums) as a volunteer, please visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer.
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Notes to editors
· Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station crew saved four lives in 2022, having been called out 102 times
· Like all RNLI stations, it is funded wholly by donations and receives no government support
· There are over 10,000 RNLI station-based volunteers in the UK and over 23,000 volunteer fundraisers
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gianna Saccomani, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07798905515 or [email protected], Grace Palmieri, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Office on 07855 487508 or [email protected], or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.