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Ramsgate fishing community raises more than £6,500 for RNLI as 79 children take to the water

A record 79 children joined Ramsgate’s junior fishing competition, while organisers Dawn and Jason Parrott received surprise community-service awards from the High Sheriff of Kent.

By THE TEA · 31 August 2026

Children and an adult fishing from the shore at sunset, used as a representative image Image: Photo: Pommelien da Silva Cosme / UnsplashOriginal source

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A community fishing day in Ramsgate has brought 79 children onto the water, raised more than £6,500 for the RNLI and delivered a surprise honour for the couple who have spent nine years organising it.

Volunteer lifeboat crew member and fishing boat owner Jason Parrott and his wife Dawn organise the junior fishing competition with support from the town’s fishing community. This year, 17 local boats gave up a day’s charter and supplied bait and equipment so children could take part.

During the event, High Sheriff of Kent Martin Lukehurst presented Dawn and Jason with certificates recognising their service to the community. The award was arranged after learned about the work behind the annual competition.

Local businesses and volunteers also supported the day. Main sponsor Vattenfall provided prizes, T-shirts and medals, while each child was able to take home a rod, reel and bait box to encourage them to keep fishing.

Ramsgate RNLI Coxswain Ian Cannon used the event to the importance of children learning how to stay safe around open water and what to do if they fall in.

The RNLI said donations were still being counted after the event, but the total had already passed £6,500.