Ramsgate RNLI celebrates long relationship with local yacht club

Eric Burton, Chairman of Ramsgate RNLI explained how back in 1980 Rod Oates had been asked by Ron Cannon to join the crew, sadly due to work commitments Rod had to decline but instead he became the Royal Temple Yacht Club’s representative on the station's Management Committee and was instrumental in creating the close relationship we enjoy with them today.

Rod went on to become a trustee of the Yacht Club and is amongst their longest serving members. However with the passing of his close friend former Ramsgate RNLI Coxswain Ron Cannon MBE in January this year he felt that after 38 years it was time to step down from his role with the RNLI and enjoy his retirement.

He was taken completely unawares that a presentation on his behalf was to take place, having been invited up on the pretext of a meet and greet with an unnamed VIP, and was, for once, left speechless when he found himself to be the guest of honour. Paul Cannon, deputy Coxswain and Ron Cannon’s son was also there to give his congratulations and thanks. Rod was presented with a photograph of Ramsgate RNLI station at night.

Our thanks to the Royal Temple Yacht Club for allowing us to make this presentation during their busy regatta, and we would like to thank them for all their hard work fund raising for us during the year. As a charity we are entirely funded by public donations and every penny helps us to continue Saving Lives at Sea.

Ends

Media Contacts:

Karen Cox Local Press Officer email [email protected] tel. 07779848431

Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer for London and South East [email protected] tel 0778520296252.

For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.