For many tutors at 成人快手, the mantra of 鈥榠mproving lives through learning鈥� isn鈥檛 limited to聽the classroom. That鈥檚 certainly the case for 成人快手 Schools motor vehicle tutor, Jason Clifford Hillman, whose聽chance encounter in a supermarket has led to an incredible volunteering journey.
Jason first heard about the opportunity to volunteer with a rescue lifeboat crew when he went to Tesco back in 2018. He spoke with a team member collecting donations for SARA (the Severn Area Rescue Association) and instantly registered his interest to join the volunteer crew.
Given the nature of the role, training to become a lifeboat crew member is intense.
鈥淚t involves starting as shore crew before progressing to the lifeboat,鈥� Jason explained. 鈥淵ou have to be able to swim in challenging sea conditions and inland waterways. It can test you stamina but the training gives you the knowledge and techniques to keep yourself safe.
鈥淭he sea survival course is the most challenging as you have to get into a raft after swimming away from the casualty vessel in rough water conditions. You are exhausted but you still need to climb into the raft聽– that was one of the more challenging parts.鈥�
Once trained, Jason spent more than five years with SARA, although has recently transferred to the Port Talbot arm of the RNLI where he is currently a member of the shore crew.
Talking of the difference between the two charities, Jason said: 鈥淭he RNLI has been saving lives at sea for over two hundred years – they are a big organisation. SARA is a smaller organisation so must prioritise what resources they have to make sure that all equipment and training keeps their volunteers safe.
鈥淏oth are charities and without the kind donations of the public they wouldn’t be able to undertake the work and keep saving lives.鈥�
Unsurprisingly, Jason cites the life-saving aspect of the role as the most rewarding, as well as working alongside a close-knit team.
While the physical work remains such a key objective as a crew member, so too is education around water safety.
鈥淲e want people to enjoy the water but be respectful of it because if you don鈥檛 it can be unforgiving,鈥� Jason warned.
While you might not immediately think there is much overlap between being a motor vehicle tutor and a volunteer lifeboat crew member, Jason believes there are some similarities between his roles.
鈥淲e have a duty of care to the public in the same way I have a duty of care for every pupil I work with. I am also constantly learning new skills not just practically but in interacting with others from different walks of life.鈥�
The RNLI is currently celebrating 200 years of lifesaving work. Find out more about the charity
