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‘USE YOUR EYES AND SAVE LIVES!’
Is the motto of a very enthusiastic group of volunteers in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Coastwatch (Berwick) is a coastal safety service run by volunteers and was set up as a charity in December 2003.
The aim of the group is to establish look-out sites around the British coastline, in order to improve the standard of safety for everyone who enjoys the sea.
Last year Coastwatch (Berwick) secured an 11 year lease on a derelict foul-weather station on the cliff edge of Magdalene Fields Golf Club in Berwick. They have agreed Berwick Borough Council to improve and maintain this property. CCN has been very involved in organizing funds for new railings (see picture), new equipment and promotional materials
The group has a volunteer base of 18 people from in and around Berwick town. LeslieWooler, the group’s station controller explains that ‘all volunteers go through an induction and relevant training before they are allowed to man the look-out". Regular weather reports are given to passing ships as well as regular check-ups on safety on the beaches, safety talks on schools and information to visitors to the watch tower.
A View Of Our Coastal Surveillance Station
Most volunteers work a 2 hour shift each week.
The group has been very successful in spotting ships in distress and supporting other local rescue services when needed.
But you don’t have to live near Berwick to become involved with this kind of work.
Coastwatch (Berwick) is keen to promote their latest project called ‘Coastwatch Observer’.
With the support of Radio Newcastle, the group has managed to launch this new idea of making our coastline safer for all. They already have more than 45 members on their lists, from as far away as Stornoway to the South of England ! Leslie Wooler says that this new project is for anyone interested in helping in some small way: By joining us as a Coastwatch Observer, your eyes will play an important part in protecting the safety of people and vessels at sea.
No training is necessary - we will give you a card with names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in the area. If you observe someone in danger at sea, or an impending accident, you simply inform the authorities. You will also be asked to complete a report form giving all the relevant details of the situation.
Your stroll along the seashore could be a life-saver!’
For any further information or to join the scheme, please contact The Station on 07950-149865
This page was last updated on 29th June 2010