Two new high-profile Patrons have accepted invitations to join National Coastwatch, the charity run entirely by volunteers which has been helping to save lives around the coast since 1994.

Actor and keen sailor Maggie Steed and round the world yachtsman Mike Golding OBE, are now actively supporting the charity which also has the support of Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and Baroness Katherine Grainger.

National Coastwatch Chair Stephen Hand said:
“We are delighted to welcome Maggie Steed and Mike Golding OBE as patrons and ambassadors for our charity. As people pre-eminent in their respective fields and with a shared interest and affinity with coastal activities, they are superbly placed to help raise our profile.
“We’re looking forward to working with them to further raise awareness of the work of our highly trained volunteers to help keep people safe around our coasts and inshore waters with seafarers and the public.”
Well known for her stage work with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as TV appearances including Rita Moon in Shine on Harvey Moon, Margaret Crabbe in Pie in the Sky, Phyllis Woolf in Born and Bred, and Harriet Maven in Silent Witness. Maggie Steed is also a keen sailor on the inshore waters around her home in Devon and has long been aware of the work done by National Coastwatch.

“I’m so happy to be asked to be a Patron for National Coastwatch. I’ve seen the work you do and admire everyone’s enthusiasm and seriousness of intent. The safety of the waves is guarded by the way you all watch over people and the boats that carry them,” said Maggie Steed.

Mike Golding OBE is one of the few yachtsmen to have raced round the world non-stop in both directions. He held the solo record for sailing round the world westabout (the most challenging direction for circumnavigation) between 1994 and 2000 and is regarded as one of the world leaders in yachting sports. Mike has accepted the invitation to become a Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution.

He said:
“I am deeply honoured to support the mission of the National Coastwatch as a Patron. As an island nation, the UK is blessed with a magnificent yet complex coastline—one that is both inspiring and, at times, unforgiving. For those who work, live, or simply enjoy time by the sea, unpredictable weather and ever-changing tides can swiftly catch the unwary off guard, placing them in real danger.

“National Coastwatch plays a vital role in safeguarding our shores. Its network of lookout stations—often situated in some of the most hazardous locations are staffed by highly trained volunteers who help to ensure the safety of both the public and maritime communities. The UK has a proud tradition of volunteer-led maritime organisations, and as a charity, National Coastwatch stands among the very finest.”
All 2,900 National Coastwatch volunteer watchkeepers help to keep people safe and save lives along the coast by maintaining a daily visual and radio watch of the coast, looking out for anyone in potential danger. They report any coastal safety-related incidents to HM Coastguard so that expert help can be sent, including the Coastguard Rescue Teams and helicopters, the RNLI, independent lifeboats and all emergency services.