This year, we’re appealing to all coast lovers and coastal communities to make their New Year’s resolution a lifesaving one.

While many know about the work of our colleagues and friends in HM Coastguard and the RNLI, we are also an integral part of the UK’s world-class maritime search and rescue family. Our 2,700 highly trained volunteers at 60 stations help keep people safe and save lives at sea. They keep a daily visual and radio watch over the coast as well as providing safety information to mariners and coastal users.

RECORD BREAKING YEAR
2023 has already been a record-breaking year, with over 830 coastal incidents recorded at the time of writing this article. With increasing numbers of people enjoying the coast and a big focus on maritime safety for 2024, we’re asking for more people to join our wonderful, generous supporters and do something big or small to support our lifesaving work.

COAST LOVERS HELP EACH OTHER
Rob Thornton, Head of NCI Fundraising Strategy says; 
“Millions of us enjoy the beauty and variety of our incredible coastline but it can be dangerous, especially for the unwary or unprepared. Staying safe means everyone takes home happy memories and that’s what our work is all about. 
“We’re asking all coast lovers to make a New Year’s resolution to get active and support our work this year so we’ve introduced our top 5 easy ways that will help us to help to save lives.”

WHAT’S YOUR RESOLUTION?
Any one of these five easy ways could make your New Year’s resolution a lifesaving one: 
1.    JustGiving: Set yourself a fundraising challenge, or perhaps take part in a race, hold a raffle or just have fun. You can raise funds for us or just make a one-off or a monthly donation.  
2.    Shop smarter! By shopping though easyfundraising for your groceries, gifts or even holidays this year, your shopping goes further. And it won’t cost you any extra.  Each of the 7,000 participating brands donate part of what you spend to your local NCI station (or a cause of your choice). 
3.    Donate via Text: For the price of a takeaway coffee, you can help keep a station’s lights on. Text NCI to 70450 to donate £5. Or you can also make a direct donation.
4.    Volunteer: If you can spare a few hours a month (or more) as a volunteer watchkeeper, you’ll make a very real contribution to helping to save lives. Volunteer with us. 
5.    Make it personal: 
·       Resolve to call in to your local station and you’ll meet a friendly bunch of people. Check out the safety information and see what we do – you might even get to look through our high-power optics for a first-hand watchkeeper’s view 
·       Say hello to us at a local event
·       Invite our volunteers to give a presentation at your school, club or organisation
·        Visit the NCI stand at the Southampton International Boat Show.