High Sheriff of West Sussex commends Shoreham Coastwatch Volunteers
The High Sheriff of West Sussex has praised the life-saving work of National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) volunteers during a visit to the Shoreham lookout station. The use of leisure craft along the south coast has increased markedly since the pandemic making the work of Shoreham NCI watchkeeper volunteers even more essential.
Dr Tim Fooks was welcomed to the Shoreham NCI station by Shoreham Station Manager, Colin Clay, and the Chairman of the National Coastwatch Institution, Stephen Hand. During the visit, the High Sheriff was given a tour of the lookout and an overview of the specialist equipment used by volunteer watchkeepers to monitor coastal activity and respond to incidents. This included high-powered optical systems, VHF radios, CCTV cameras and radar.
Dr Fooks spoke with duty watchkeepers Giles Preston and David Drake about the range of incidents they encounter along the local coastline. These include windsurfers and paddleboarders getting into difficulty, inflatable craft breaking down, and jet ski users requiring assistance.
The High Sheriff was told that the rapid growth in leisure water sports has significantly increased activity along the south coast in recent years. National participation figures show paddleboarding to be one of the fastest-growing water sports in the UK, with rescue services reporting a marked rise in call-outs linked to small leisure craft, particularly during the summer months.
The watchkeepers explained how they identify and locate people in trouble, pass accurate positional information to the Coastguard Joint Rescue Control Centre at Fareham, and, when necessary, support RNLI lifeboats in reaching casualties quickly and safely. They also outlined the training required before volunteers are qualified to stand watch.
Mr Hand and Mr Clay briefed the High Sheriff on the wider work of the National Coastwatch Institution, which operates 61 stations around the coasts of England and Wales and is supported by around 2,900 trained volunteers. They highlighted that the charity is entirely reliant on donations from the public and businesses to fund its operations.
The visit also highlighted the strong local partnerships enjoyed by the Shoreham station, including close working relationships with Shoreham Port Authority, the RNLI and Coastguard Rescue Teams. Volunteers also work closely with the local community through fundraising initiatives with Shoreham Rotary Club, open days and concerts supported by station patron and local guitarist Richard Durrant.
Speaking after the visit, Dr Fooks said: “The work of the Shoreham National Coastwatch volunteers is vitally important in keeping our coastline safe - indeed their motto is “saving lives at sea.” The Shoreham Station is one of the busiest in the country and disasters are regularly avoided through the watchkeepers exceptional vigilance and dedication. As a yachtsman myself, it is very reassuring to know that, during the day, someone is always keeping an eye out and I am deeply impressed by, and grateful for, the quality of their operation and the work that they do.”
Mr Hand and Mr Clay thanked the High Sheriff for his visit and for showing such strong interest in the work of National Coastwatch, which they said was greatly appreciated by volunteers.