National Coastwatch – Eyes Along The Coast for Safety
Keeping safety in mind while walking the South West Coast Path is a given but did you know there are dedicated volunteers looking out for you too?
Highly trained volunteers from The National Coastwatch Institution are often the first eyes on emergencies along the coastline and there are 24 stations along the South West Coast Path.
A Bit of History
While most people have heard of HM Coastguard or the RNLI, far fewer know about The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). It is a voluntary organisation that was founded in Cornwall in 1994, following the deaths of two local fishermen within sight of a coastguard station that had been recently closed amid a national reorganisation.
Following a campaign to re-establish a visual coastal watch, the first NCI station was opened at Bass Point on The Lizard Peninsula. Today 60 stations and 2,700 highly trained volunteer Watchkeepers keep a visual watch around the coastline, supporting the Coastguard and other rescue services helping to preserve and protect life for those that use our inland waters and the coast path.
What Happens On Watch?
Trained volunteers keep a daylight watch on those making the most of the coast, whether they’re on cliff or beach walks, enjoying watersports and out at sea, 365 days a year. They look out for any incidents or safety concerns and report these to HM Coastguard, which then makes the decision whether to send Coastguard rescue teams, helicopters or lifeboats.
The NCI volunteers work with HM Coastguard, the RNLI and other emergency services, often directing crews to the site of an incident via VHF radios, but do not carry out rescues themselves. They also offer support and information to coastal visitors and boat users about local hazards, inshore water conditions and tide times.
NCI stations have Declared Facility Status, meaning they are officially recognised as part of the Maritime Search and Rescue emergency services, undergoing annual assessments to meet this standard, ensuring the protocols, volunteer training and operations meet the high standards required.
Come And See What We Do
You’ll get a warm welcome if you call into one of the stations and our friendly volunteer watchkeepers will be happy to show you what happens on watch, offer any local safety advice and stamp your Coast Path Passport. Most stations will have somewhere for you to take a rest, fill your water bottle or give your dog a drink. They always have the best views and sometimes even biscuits as well!
Map of National Coastwatch Stations
The Next 30 Years!
The NCI will soon be celebrating its 30th birthday in 2024. The UK is seeing more people using the coast than ever before, enjoying the beach or getting out on the water, as well as walking along our stunning coastline and with your support NCI will continue providing this lifesaving service well into the next 30 years.
Support the NCI
Each one of the 2,600 watchkeepers are volunteers. You can support the NCI by donating here and every pound donated helps keep the lights on and renew essential radio and optical equipment.
If you love the coast what could be better than a volunteer job looking out to sea? Why not consider volunteering at your local NCI station?
The National Coastwatch Institution is a registered charity:
Registered Charity No. 1159975
Find out more: www.nci.org.uk
Author
Julia Gosling, NCI Communications. julia.gosling@nci.org.uk
In January 2024, the National Coastwatch Institution partnered with the South West Coast Path Association to welcome walkers as their 24 stations located on or near the Coast Path became Coast Path Passport stamping points.
Read the full press release HERE
The South West Coast Path 