RNLI celebrates lifesaving dads across Hampshire and Dorset this Fathers Day

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

On the Isle of Wight, Fred and his son James Milne volunteer at Bembridge lifeboat station, continuing a family tradition that spans generations. Fred began his volunteering journey with the RNLI on his 17th birthday, in October 1997, and has since qualified as an inshore-lifeboat helm, all-weather lifeboat navigator and is currently training as an Coxswain.

Following in his father's footsteps, James joined the crew at Bembridge on his 18th birthday, after being given a birthday card with a crew application form inside! ‘A big influence on me joining was being around the RNLI from a young age.’ said James. ‘I spent many summer evenings at the lifeboat station with Dad, and often saw the lifeboat launch to help and support other vessels. Watching what my dad, and his crewmates did really inspire me, and confirmed that this is something I want to be part of.’

For Fred, volunteering with his son has allowed him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation, while spending time with his son. He said: ‘I have enjoyed passing on my knowledge to James while volunteering with the RNLI. As I’m getting older, I’ve had my fair share of rough rides in the inshore-lifeboat, I’m looking forward to eventually handing over the reins to him.’

Volunteering with the RNLI has been a family tradition for Fred and James’ family for many years. Fred said: ‘My great-great-great grandfather, Charles Searle, was the first Coxswain at Bembridge RNLI, and my grandfather, Fred Wills, served as the station mechanic.

‘It’s a proud legacy, and it’s heart-warming to see James continuing that tradition. My daughter Robyn, who turns 18 soon, is also eager to join the crew!’

In Dorset, Steve and his son Felix Williams volunteer together at Swanage RNLI. Management and Leadership Coach Steve has been volunteering at the lifeboat station for 26 years, and is an all-weather lifeboat Navigator, as well as the stations Training Coordinator.

Steve said: ‘When out on a shout, we shift from father and son to crewmates. There’s a task to get done, and we work as a crew to get it done.

‘I remember when Felix was first picked for a shout with me, I realised then just how much commitment he had shown to become a fully qualified crew member.’

Following in his father’s footsteps, Felix started volunteering with Swanage RNLI six years ago, while working as a systems design engineer in Poole. When asked about whether Steve’s volunteering influenced his decision to join, Felix said: ‘Having my dad and his pager as I grew up, I was always aware of the lifeboat and the service that they provided. It wasn’t until I started teaching at the local sailing club that I realised being a volunteer was something I could do and follow in my father’s footsteps.

‘Being part of the crew and seeing what my father does and has done for over 20 years makes me proud every time it is brought up.’

Swanage RNLI has been chosen as the home to be the RNLI’s latest Launch a Memory lifeboat. This Father’s Day, why not give a truly meaningful gift? With a suggested donation of £75, your dad’s name can be added to Swanage’s all-weather lifeboat, allowing us to continue launching to Save Lives at Sea. Find out more here: rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate-in-memory/launch-a-memory

97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland. Without our incredible volunteer lifesavers, the RNLI could not provide a 24/7 lifesaving service.

Notes to editors