17th June 2019. Exmouth National Coastwatch's tower was opened up to the public to give people a behind-the-scenes look at the work they do.
The National Coastwatch Institute volunteers showcased the skills they use on a daily basis to keep a safe watch over Exmouth's tidal waters and busy beach. Visitors got the chance to try chart plotting, listen in on marine radio and look out across Lyme Bay through high-powered optics. There was also an opportunity for a free lifejacket and buoyancy checks by the RNLI at the open day
Exmouth Coastwatch has been based at the tower above Harbour View Cafe since 1998. This year, Exmouth NCI - one of 54 stations nationwide and the third busiest in 2018 - celebrates its 21st year of operation and the 25th anniversary of the charity. Throughout British Summer Time, their highly qualified watch keepers monitor water-based activity seven days a week.
The photograph by Terry Ife (courtesy of the Exmouth Journal) shows WatchkeepersNigel Bovey, Zan Nye, John Fendick and Jill Pritchet at the Exmouth Coastwatch open day