Here at Jays, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible contributions our team members make — both in and out of the workplace.
One shining example is Kate, who not only excels in her role at Jays but also volunteers as part of the RNLI crew in Burnham-on-Sea.
We sat down with Kate to learn more about her inspiring work with the RNLI, how she balances volunteering with her day job, and what motivates her to be part of such a vital lifesaving service.
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What inspired you to volunteer for the RNLI? How did you first get involved with the organization?
Chatting with friends in the pub, I was invited to join a few of the lads for cycle rides over the somerset levels, after a few weeks of getting to know the guys, one of them asked why don’t I join the station as they need more female volunteers, and with my experience and knowledge and volunteering with Sea Cadets my experience would be invaluable! So, I popped along for a chat.
Are there any specific duties or tasks you specialize in?
I am Boat / Shore Crew.
How do you balance RNLI volunteering with your personal or professional life?
Our station is on call 24/7, this means the boats can be called at any time day or night, even Christmas Day! I am a working Mum, so I manage my time currently being on call during my working day, while my children are at school. I am very lucky to have an employer who fully supports me when the pager goes off and we have to drop and run!
How often do you participate in training or drills?
The station trains every Wednesday evening and Sunday mornings. I train every Wednesday evening.
What essential skills have you developed since volunteering?
Keeping calm in what can seem to some as a manic/stressful situation. Building my confidence, team building skills, boat handling, First Aid training, to name a few.
What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced while on duty?
For most of us at the station there will be one or two ‘shouts’ (call outs) that we will remember for either a happy ending (dog being returned to their owners) or sadly an unhappy ending. For me it will always being the passing of a young little boy call Dylan, who said was swept off the jetty, and sadly drowned. Our Lifeboat station, along with HM Coastguard and hovercraft teams searched endlessly for several days. This shout will always be a hard one!
Have there been any encounters that changed your perspective on life or the sea?
Yes – I am very keen to make sure my children; James & Izzy can swim! The currents in the Bristol Channel are extremely challenging for even the strongest of swimmers!
How does the RNLI engage with the local community?
Open days, Fundraising, Water Safety Talks, Educational talks with local schools, Beach Lifeguards, Our Shops. Station Visits, we have hosted for several local clubs/schools.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Come along, meet the team! I did and have never looked back!
For more information on RNLI, please head to:
RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Saving Lives at Sea
For donations for these critical teams, please head to:
Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea
Otherwise, if you would like to chat with any of the Jays team about how Jays can help drive your company forward then please get in touch here:
