Volunteer Dads Balance Lifesaving with New Arrivals at Cowes RNLI

Jay, a volunteer shore crew member, and his wife, Bethany, had their second child, Sunny, earlier this year. Jay joined Cowes RNLI Station in October, and passed out as shore crew in January.

“We knew it was going to be a juggle balancing a new baby and me being available for shouts and staying committed to training and the station. It’s a real family effort as the pager never goes off at a convenient time when you are in the midst of family life!” Jay said, “I have really enjoyed getting integrated into life at the station and really appreciate the crew's support allowing me to prioritise family life while still giving back to the community.”

Bethany said: "When Jay joined, we knew it would be a new dynamic, especially around the birth of our son. It's a big commitment, but he sets a great example for both our children and we’re all very proud of him. Our oldest son Zephyr (3) calls his daddy his rescue superhero and he really is!”

Josh, navigator and trainee helm, joined the RNLI in 2020, after previously volunteering with the Coastguard. Already a father to two-year-old Joseph with partner Rosie, the family are soon expecting their second son.

"Being a father is the most rewarding thing I've ever done, volunteering with the RNLI follows that in terms of rewards. Being part of the crew at Cowes RNLI and alongside my brother Will is very important to me,” says Josh. “There is an awesome crew at Cowes with many great fathers and mothers all pulling together to help the station provide a 24 hour rescue service. With our second son on the way, Father's Day feels even more special this year. Knowing that what we do striving to keep our waters safe for locals, including children and families, reinforces why I volunteer."

Rosie adds: "We are really proud of Josh's dedication and commitment to Cowes RNLI and fully support him and all the team at Cowes who work so hard to keep people safe. Even when the pager goes off in the middle of dinner or the night time! Our son gets very excited to see Daddy do lifeboat and he even has his matching yellow RNLI wellies and future crew hoody that he wears with pride."

Volunteers make up 95% of the RNLI, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Cowes RNLI relies on volunteers like Jay and Josh who give their time, often leaving their families at a moment's notice, to answer the call for help. This Father's Day, the station extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the fathers within its volunteer crew who juggle family life with their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

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RNLI media contacts

• Sofia Voudouroglou, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer 07594051372/ [email protected]

• George Chastney, Cowes RNLI Volunteer Press Officer 07530 254052/ [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.