Accolades and awards for two of our highly trained volunteer watchkeepers for their lifesaving work.

Jane and Mark, two watchkeepers from NCI Worms Head, have been congratulated by HM Coastguard for their role in helping to save two lives this year. And they have each been awarded a National Coastwatch (NCI) Certificate of Merit, our highest award at a ceremony this week.
A citation from the Senior Watch Officer at HM Coastguard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Milford Haven read:
“We believe the prompt actions and ongoing support taken by your watchkeepers over concerns for two persons cut off by the incoming tide at the Worms Head Causeway Gower Peninsula probably contributed to saving their lives.
“The casualties were in a perilous situation with one of them being swept off the rocks into the sea. Please pass on our thanks to the team on duty for a job well done.”
Jane and Mark were on duty on the afternoon of 11 June 2025 when they spotted two people on the causeway rocks. Both were quickly surrounded by the tide and in serious danger.
The watchkeepers immediately contacted the Coastguard MRCC at Milford Haven.
Burry Port and Horton lifeboats, a Coastguard rescue helicopter from St Athan and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, were sent by the team at Milford Haven. By the time the lifeboats arrived, one person had been swept off the rocks and another was chest-deep in water. Due to the dangerous conditions the lifeboats were unable to get in close to the casualties but one crew member entered the water and reached the person being swept out to sea.
The casualties were extracted to safety by the helicopter.
HM Coastguard added: “Throughout this period the NCI team of Jane and Mark provided updates to the search and rescue services as and when requested.”
Jane and Mark received their Certificates of Merit at the NCI Worms Head Annual General Meeting. The certificates were presented by Phil Styles (NCI Chief Operations Officer) and Piet Biesheuvel (Sector Manager, S & W Wales).