Coastal safety at the popular north Lincolnshire resort of Cleethorpes now has the added boost of extra ‘eyes along the coast’ with the opening of a new National Coastwatch station, part funded by a generous donation from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.
The new station unit is sited on the seafront adjacent to the Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, with views along the beach and across the Humber from where the charity’s highly trained volunteer watchkeepers keep a daily watch for anyone in danger along the coast and at sea. They report any coastal safety-related incidents to HM Coastguard so that expert rescue assets can be sent.
NCI Cleethorpes joins the line-up of 60 other National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) stations at key seafront locations in England and Wales, all sharing the same aim of helping to save lives along the coast. And there’s been a warm welcome for the station from the North East Lincolnshire Council, local community and other emergency services partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI and Humberside Police, said Station Manager Rob Druce.
“We’re up and running and will be having an official opening in due course but already the welcome has been absolutely fantastic which is so very encouraging. After so many months of planning, we’re thrilled to be here and already helping to make a positive contribution to coastal safety in the area,” he said.
Within the first week of opening, the newly qualified volunteer watchkeepers assisted HM Coastguard with a number of incidents including someone in need of medical attention and multiple lost children.
Substantial funds were needed to refurbish and equip the smartly liveried station unit with the optics and equipment needed to help the watchkeepers in their work. A donation from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the creator and owner of the easy family of brands – including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com and many others (see www.easy.com and www.easyHistory.info), made it possible, said NCI Trustee, Ian Whalley.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for the invaluable support and funds we needed to convert our unit into a fully functioning and very
smart watch station and we know it’s going to be a very busy one. As a charity, we rely entirely on the goodwill of our supporters as well as our volunteers. The funds from the Foundation mean we’ve been able to take this big step forward even earlier than we’d hoped and play our part in helping to keep people safe in this very popular coastal location,” he said.
Sir Stelios said: “As a keen sailor myself and a donor to several charities that support maritime safety and pursuits, I have always admired the work of the NCI. I am proud to have assisted this fine volunteer organisation in renovating its Cleethorpes station, which is a vital post on the estuary of the Humber, with high visitor numbers, tidal hazards and important shipping lanes. I am sure the new renovated station will be put to good use by the NCI and save many lives.”
More volunteers and supporters are needed to join the crew at NCI Cleethorpes. For watchkeeping roles, no maritime experience is needed as full training is provided. The station will also welcome any interest from people wanting to get involved on a regular or ad hoc basis, to help with fundraising and events, or to provide coastal safety information to the public, again full training will be given. Visitors to the station are welcome and/or to find out more, email [email protected] or call 07355 993831 or visit National Coastwatch – Eyes Along The Coast