The volunteers keeping watch for coastal danger

7 hours ago

Jasmine Ketibuah-FoleyWest of England

News image — Around 25 volunteers work at the National Coastwatch Institution station in Minehead

BBC Four coastwatch volunteers in uniform standing together and looking at the camera. They are standing in the station cabin and smiling at the camera. — Around 25 volunteers work at the National Coastwatch Institution station in Minehead

They're the eyes and ears for the emergency services along our coastline - and they give their time for free.

The National Coastwatch Institution station at Minehead in Somerset, has been watching the waters since 2023 and currently has 25 volunteers who work across three days a week.

Once recruits complete their training they do a number of three-hour shifts looking out for people and vessels in distress and watching for any environmental or wildlife incidents. So what motivates the volunteers to sign up?

'I wanted to start living again'

Malcolm is wearing dark shades and his navy blue unform with a branded waterproof coat. He is stood in front of Minehead beach. — Malcolm Oyston said volunteering at the station is "fascinating"

Malcolm Oyston joined more than two years' ago when his wife passed away.

"I needed something to do other than watching telly every day. I wanted to meet new people, get out and start living again," he said.

"I ended up signing up. Three months later I was a qualified watchkeeper. It's a great little group we've got and it helped me enormously in the early days."

Oyston said the role has been "fascinating" and it has made him feel like he is "doing something good".

"On one of my watches there was a windsurfer who was in trouble. It really sticks in my mind.

"He fell off and was in the water for 20 minutes - I called to the coastguard. I was pleased I did it because if I didn't, logged off and went home and something happened I would have never forgiven myself."

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Oyston said the role is for all ages, with people on his team range from 30 to 80 -years-old.

"People from teachers, landscape gardeners people with military background - we have anyone and anyone can learn this.

"I was ex-retail so I knew nothing about tidal drifts , navigation charts, latitude and longitudinal points. You learn new skills and it helps keep your brain active," he added.

'My day job is selling wedding dresses'

Debbie is wearing her navy blue uniform and is sitting at a chair in front of radios and computers at the watch station. She has shoulder-length blonde hair and is smiling at the camera. — Debbie Shelley volunteers on her days off from running her bridal shop

"I had no background in this whatsoever. I'm from the Midlands and we don't have the sea there," said fellow volunteer Debbie Shelley.

"I've done something to give back to the community, but this was a new thing for me," she added.

"I live on the seafront here so I spend a lot of time looking out the window at the sea. When I saw there was a volunteer job I thought it would be a better use of my time.

The outside of the blue and red National Coastwatch Institution cabin. A few cars can be seen in the background. The image was taken on an overcast day. — The National Coastwatch Station has been operational since 2023

"I [also] had a pair of binoculars I was going to take up birdwatching with, but I never found any birds. They're now put to better use.

"It's really different to my day job. I run a bridal shop selling wedding dresses. helping brides find their dream dress."

After a few months of training she said the role began to feel like "second nature".

"Most if us didn't have any maritime experience. Anyone can do it - If I can, anybody can," Shelley added.

'I love how most days are different'

Josh is wearing a navy blue uniform and is smiling at the camera. He has short dark hair and is holding a pair of binoculars on a tripod. — Josh Brown has been volunteering as a watcher while looking for work

Josh Brown, who also moved to the area from the Midlands, said he joined to give him something to do while looking for work.

"I love how most days are different. The weather changes and the amount of people on the beach changes," he said.

"I thought it was very interesting. I come from the Midlands originally so very far from anything maritime related.

"My family like it and when they see me in my uniform - mum always wants to take pictures. They've been very supportive. It's nice for them to see me out there trying to help people."

Brown said he hopes the role will land him a paid job with the charity or similar organisations.

"I come from a background in data and statistics.

"There's a lot of that around here - vessels coming in and out of the harbour.

"To be able to have that attention to detail, similar to what I used to do, it would be interesting to see if some paid work comes my way along those lines," he added.

David wearing navy blue uniform and standing in front of the coast watch cabin. — Station manager David Curran said the area has the second-highest tidal range in the world

Station manager David Curran said he had no idea what coastwatch was five years ago.

"We've got quite a big area of coverage and that includes not only leisure activity in the beaches but you've also got the big ships out in the middle," he said.

"The Bristol Channel has the second-biggest tidal range in the world. That makes it more dangerous and catches water-users out."

He is looking to get more people to join as volunteers so they can increase their working hours to four days a week.

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