Scott Mann has heralded the work of volunteers at the Stepper Point Coastwatch base during a visit last week as they search for new volunteers to join the group.
Working alongside numerous other Coastwatch groups around the county to keep Cornish shores safe, the Stepper Point base is looking for volunteers to help monitor the busy mouth of the Camel Estuary as well as the open waters beyond.
The station is also a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Stepper Point base is part of the National Coastwatch Institution, with 49 stations all over the UK which are manned by a team of fully trained and dedicated volunteers who keep a daylight watch up to 365 days a year.
Stations are equipped with telescopes, radar, telephone and weather instrumentation as well as up to date charts. Close contact with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) aims to promote stations to Declared Facility Status in order to become an integral part of the National Search and Rescue Structure.
Scott Mann is now backing their calls for volunteers to come forward and help the group in their important task of keeping the waters around Padstow and Rock safe.
Scott Mann said:
“The guys up at Stepper Point are dedicated in what they do to make sure our waters are safe for all users, from ships to yachts to kayakers.
“I think it’s fantastic that like the RNLI, they give up their time to make sure people are safe on the water.
“Watchkeepers provide a vital link to the emergency services and are a key emergency contact point on land for both sea and shore users.
“I would definitely urge people to enquire about helping up at Stepper Point, because not only are the views fantastic, but you can go home knowing you’ve potentially saved someone’s life.”
Richard Wilson, Station Manager, said:
“Coastwatch is a voluntary organisation mainly manned by retired people so the turnover is quite high. We are therefore always looking for new recruits.
“No maritime experience is required as full training is provided, and if you can spare half a day a week to support this very worthwhile cause then please don’t hesitate to contact us via our website.”
The Stepper Point Coastwatch team can be contacted via http://www.stepper-point.co.uk/?ckattempt=1 or http://www.nci.org.uk/stepperpoint