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 and his brother, Daniel.
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.
· 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
