Volunteering Highlight: National Coastwatch Institution

Our Volunteer First platform helps match budding volunteers with opportunities in East Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest, Eastleigh and Winchester. It placed 551 volunteers between November 2024 and November 2025 and welcomed 128 organisations to the programme. One of these organisations is National Coastwatch Institution (NCI).

National Coastwatch Institution is a UK registered charity run by volunteers, providing eyes and ears along the coastline of England and Wales. From dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, trained Watchkeepers scan the sea and shoreline, monitor radios and stay alert for anything that might put someone in danger. When something doesn’t look right, they raise the alarm with HM Coastguard, helping ensure the right rescue services get to the right place at the right time.

Locally in the New Forest, two lookout stations, Calshot Tower QAVS (Calshot Spit) and Stone Point (Lepe Country Park), have recently turned to Volunteer First to help bring more new people into the organisation.

We spoke with Helena Carr, Deputy Station Manager, Public Events for Calshot Tower QAVS and Stone Point.

How has Volunteer First helped you to find new volunteers?

“We had volunteering roles advertised on the Volunteer First platform, but interest had been low. When I assumed my current role within our Stations, it was decided to take a fresh look at our profile. Working with Jag, Community First Lead Volunteering Service Coordinator, we completely reworked our profile and information to be clearer, updated, friendlier and much more reflective of what an NCI Watchkeeper role actually involves.

“The revamp made a huge difference and the enquiries started coming in. This year alone, we (the Calshot QAVS and Stone Point stations) have received 17 enquiries through Volunteer First, with five new volunteers now in training on their way to becoming qualified watchkeepers.”

Why are volunteers vital to the work of National Coastwatch Institution?

“Watchkeepers help maintain a visual and radio watch, log and report any concerns, and support search and rescue operations where needed. Incidents can involve anything from paddle-boarders drifting too far out, to people misjudging the tides, to unexpected changes in weather.

“It’s surprising how quickly a harmless activity can become dangerous – that’s why we’re here.

“And the need is growing. From January to the end of October 2025 NCI recorded 862 incidents nationally, assisting 547 people and directly contributing to 284 rescues – a 16% increase on the previous year.”

What skills or qualities are you looking for in volunteer Watchkeepers?

“One of the biggest barriers to volunteering with NCI is a misconception that it’s only for people with maritime backgrounds.

“We never discourage anyone. You don’t need to have been in the Navy. You don’t need sailing experience. You don’t need to know about tides. We teach you everything.

“The most important qualities are being observant, calm and willing to learn. Volunteers of all adult ages are welcome.”

How does someone become a volunteer with NCI?

“When someone expresses interest, we encourage them to visit one of our lookout stations to meet and speak with watchkeepers. Many start with a ‘taster watch’, spending a session alongside experienced volunteers to see if the role feels right.

“If they wish to proceed, they begin training and volunteers complete this and our courses at their own pace. All with support from our Training Team and other watchkeepers. This includes a nationally recognised radio licence – a qualification they’ll keep for life – as well as coastal and water safety training, chart-work, handling/managing incidents, and Watchleader courses etc. All training is freely provided.

“We are a uniformed organisation and we are proud to wear our NCI uniforms, it is important to us. Therefore anyone joining must comply with our uniform requirements.”

How long does it take to become a watchkeeper?

“Most people take around three months to qualify, though some do it faster or slower depending on other commitments and learning at their own pace. Even after they qualify, volunteers remain supported by the Trainers, Courses and other watchkeepers.

“Shifts are flexible and volunteers are usually required to commit to three per month. Shift length is around three hours in winter and four hours in summer. At the Calshot Tower and Stone Point stations, we are open 364 days a year, only closing on Christmas Day.

“It fits around people’s lives, so if you work during the week, you can volunteer on weekends, but you can book a watch as often you like.

“Some of our volunteers will go on to take senior positions such as Station Committee Roles, Fundraising, etc., while others use their practical skills, like electrics or maintenance, to support the stations and our operations.”

What would you say to someone that is thinking about becoming a volunteer?

“You don’t have to commit and sign up straight away. Just visit. Ask questions. See what a Watchkeeper role is actually like. Most people are surprised – and you really do feel like you’re doing something meaningful.

“NCI has often been described as ‘the best kept secret within the UK search and rescue community’ and why…because so few people realise NCI volunteer watchkeepers are quietly keeping watch every day of the year.

“It’s incredibly rewarding as you might genuinely save or contribute towards saving someone’s life. Not many volunteering roles can say that.”

Whether you’re new to volunteering or looking for a flexible role that makes a real difference, Volunteer First connects volunteers with organisations across Hampshire who need support, including opportunities with National Coastwatch.

Inspired to volunteer? Find all your local opportunities on Volunteer First