15th March 2020. Several National Coastwatch Institution stations have reluctantly closed their doors to visitors in response to the current Coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesperson for the NCI said “So far we have been lucky and have had no confirmed cases of Coronavirus but we must not become complacent and we have had to take steps to prevent any of our watchkeepers from contracting this virus. Many of our volunteer watchkeepers are in the high-risk age range or have care responsibilities for someone in a high-risk category so until further notice many stations will not be accepting any visitors to the watch stations. Each station is making their own decision about welcoming visitors based on their individual circumstances. This is a purely preventative measure that does not affect our operations and we will strive to continue keeping ‘Eyes Along the Coast’ as normal.”

NCI stations can still be contacted by telephone and by radio on marine VHF Channel 65 and will be available for advice. Should you wish to visit your local NCI station, please telephone to check if they are welcoming visitors before going to the watch station to avoid disappointment (their telephone number is on the National website at www.nci.org.uk.)

This is only a temporary measure to ensure the safety of our volunteer watchkeepers while they continue their vital work.