National Coastwatch Caister on Sea were invited to man an NCI stand on the first day of the London Boat Show, held at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London’s Docklands. Since opening in June 2011, Caister has been instrumental in summoning lifeboat assistance to a holidaymaker swept out to sea on an inflatable raft, calling an ambulance for an elderly walker following a fall from the sea wall and many other incidents. They have also been able to assist local mariners by plotting and reporting debris from the recent storm surge that affected so many along our east coast. Coastguards are provided with the precise visual location of any shipping reported in difficulties close to the wind farm and the treacherous sandbanks.

National Coastwatch Caister needs more volunteers to help maintain and improve the watch along the coastline. If you can spare four hours a week and are interested in helping keep people at sea and along the coast to stay safe. The unit is situated above the Lifeboat Heritage Centre at Caister. No previous experience is needed, and all training is done on watch duties.

For details, contact station manager Mike Cooke on 07796 684429 or visit the website ncicaister.webs.com