From lifeboat crew to I Do: Cowes RNLI volunteers marry

Lou and James Rankin first met in March 2012 when they both volunteered for Cowes RNLI Station as boat crew. James was on the crew for a couple of years; Lou went on to complete over 11 years of volunteering for the RNLI, across boat and shore crew, education and visits team roles. Both were serving as volunteer crew when Queen Elizabeth II officially opened Cowes RNLI station on the 25th July 2012.

The couple reconnected on Valentine’s Day four years ago, when James texted Lou to say he had just got a labrador puppy called Stanley. The couple married on Saturday, 14th March 2026, at the Island Sailing Club where they had first set eyes on each other 14 years before. The ceremony was followed by a short walk down to the RNLI station for photos.

Lou said: “The RNLI is fantastic for meeting new people, especially people who wouldn’t normally cross paths with in life. I’ve made lifelong friends at the station, lots of whom were at our wedding. Today brought back lovely memories; it was great to go back to where it all started. When I joined the RNLI the last thing I thought was that I would meet my husband, but look at us now!”

Lou and James remain in Cowes with Stanley and Ruby, Lou’s labrador, who are best friends. They are avid supporters of the lifeboat station and the RNLI. The spirit of service Lou found at the RNLI has continued throughout her life; she spent nine years volunteering for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as a ship mate and team leader on sailing trips, as well as supporting with fundraising.

Mark Southwell, Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, also attended the wedding and was pictured with the couple. Mark said: “Once you join the RNLI family, you are part of it for life. For many at the station, volunteering provides more than just technical training; it offers a support network that remains long after their service ends. I am so happy to see the positive effects of volunteering echoing across Lou and James’ lives. Congratulations to them both from all of us at the station.”

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RNLI media contacts

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

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

About Cowes RNLI Station

Cowes Lifeboat Station is converted from a former HM Customs Watch House, the rear of which is 300 years old. It looks out onto one of the world’s busiest shipping waterways and carries out a range of interesting services every year. It is the only station to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II.