RNLI celebrates lifesaving dads across Kent and Sussex this Fathers Day

Across Kent and Sussex, these families will be ready to respond to the pager at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea.

Nathan Vasudaven was introduced to the RNLI by his father, Bhargawa, who was Gravesend RNLI’s lifeboat medical adviser, inspiring him to start volunteering as a crew member. Nathan said: ‘I hadn’t really heard of the charity before he introduced me to the crew at Gravesend. My dad arranged some shifts for me so that I could familiarise myself with what it takes to launch a lifeboat.

‘I’m not from a nautical background, so I was really proud to be accepted as crew. I love the sense of comradeship at the station, even if you arrive with no maritime skill set, you are still valued for the skills you do have. I’ve been volunteering on the crew at Gravesend RNLI for 13 years now, but I never forget that I wouldn’t be where I am without Dad.’

Keith Patrick has been volunteering with the RNLI for over 15 years at Margate Lifeboat Station. Keith is an Atlantic 85 helm, and a lifeboat trainer assessor at the lifeboat station. Just over a year ago, his son Ollie decided to follow in his footsteps and join Margate as a volunteer crew member.

When asked about his motivation for joining, Ollie said: ‘Growing up with my dad in the RNLI definitely influenced my decision to join. My dad joined the lifeboat crew when I was 4, and I remember when me, my mum and my brother would all go down and watch dad go out on the boat and await his return.

‘My proudest moment was when dad visited my primary school to do a talk about the RNLI and water safety. He came in his dry suit and lifejacket and stood up in front of my school and did a speech. I remember running around afterwards, telling everyone he was my dad as I was so happy and proud of the work he does.

‘It is fantastic volunteering alongside my dad within the RNLI. I’ve always looked up to him and respected the work he’s done with the charity.’

Keith said: ‘Volunteering with Ollie has become very normalised in a relatively short space of time, as he has settled in very well. For both of us, the pagers sounding has become a normal way of life.

‘I am very proud of Ollie following in my footsteps, and watching his journey within the charity. Hearing feedback from other crew as to how grown up and caring he is for his age makes me think we have ‘done good’.

In Sussex, Dave and Ryan Needham volunteer at Eastbourne RNLI together. Dave has been volunteering with the RNLI at Eastbourne for 37 years, with Ryan joining the crew five years ago.

Ryan said: Volunteering with my dad is great, the feeling of helping people together is awesome, while we all work as a team. Growing up with my dad on the crew definitely influenced me to join the crew. When the pagers sounded, I would jump in the car with him and watch the lifeboat launch.’

‘The best part of volunteering with Ryan is working side by side onboard to make a real difference to people in need’ said Dave. ‘I remember our first job we attended together on the inshore lifeboat, along with my brother, to assist an injured sailor who had fallen down the cockpit hatch into the cabin after their yacht stopped suddenly when it run aground.

‘As a crew, we worked together to give the casualty the best possible care, putting our training into action. We transferred them ashore into the care of medical professionals and secured the boat until it was safe’.