RNLI wishes all lifesaving father figures a Happy Father’s Day

From dads, stepdads, to grandads, uncles to even close-friends, and mentors, we have many selfless father figures who volunteer within our charity, in an array of roles.

Our father figure volunteers continue to inspire others and support the lifesaving work we do within local communities across the UK and Ireland.

Many of our 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.

Notes to Editor:

• Read more about Jason and Sophie’s first shout together on the RNLI’s News Centre: First Shout for Littlehampton RNLI father and daughter duo | RNLI

• Hi-res version of the images can be downloaded here.

RNLI media contacts:

For any further information or image requests, please contact Charlotte Cranny-Evans on [email protected].

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, X, TikTok 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.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.