Article: published on 27 November 2023

More volunteers are needed for a National Coastwatch service which is hoping to start operating from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset early next year.

The charity provides "eyes along the coast" for HM Coastguard.

It needs a minimum of 28 people to keep watch in the Burnham area, but so far only a dozen have volunteered.

Acting station manager Lizzie Groves said no previous maritime knowledge is needed as training will be provided, but it is "imperative" more people are recruited.

National Coastwatch is hoping to use the beach warden's hut near the town's jetty to run the service during daylight hours at weekends from January.

Ms Groves added: "We need to have approval from Somerset Council to use the beach warden's hut on a short-term lease."

HM Coastguard has identified Burnham-on-Sea as a "hot spot" for coastal safety.

In October Peter Jeffery, 68, from Bath, was swept out to sea and died after attempting to rescue a woman and her dog.

A new portable watch station is also being planned for the seafront with money from the Hinkley Point C Community Grant Fund.

Ms Groves said: "We are waiting for planning permission for the unit, and are hoping it will be in place by summer 2024."