5 June 2023 A chance visit to our station at Caister for former district nurse Linda Lawrence led on to bigger things. She is now NCI’s Head of Operations, responsible for overseeing 59 stations, working closely with the team of 9 sector managers. She was also presented with her five and 10 years’ service awards by our Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
This Volunteers Week, we caught up with her to ask a few questions and find out more.
1. How did you first become aware of National Coastwatch?
It was completely by chance. Ten years ago, my husband and I were walking our dog on the beach at Caister and I wondered what went on in the NCI station there. Curiosity got the better of me and I went in to find out. Just three months later, I was a certified watchkeeper with a stripe on my epaulettes!
2. Did you have any previous maritime experience?
I had no maritime experience, other than having done some boating on the lovely Norfolk Broads. You don’t actually need maritime experience to become a watchkeeper as full training is provided. All you need is the enthusiasm to learn new skills and a desire to play a part in saving lives around the coast.
3. What made you decide to volunteer?
As soon as I saw how friendly and welcoming the watchkeepers were, I just knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Then when I learned about the work, I was immediately keen to get involved and I’ve never looked back.
4. What was the training like?
I was instantly hooked. Training is all at your own pace and I was surprised how quickly I picked it up and even volunteered for extra watches to gain skills and knowledge. I was the roster manager’s best friend. You learn about tides, different weather conditions, VHF radio, chart work and how important it is to fill in the log book with daily occurrences.
5. From being a keen watchkeeper, you took on other roles. How did that happen?
After a couple of years the Station Manager left and I agreed to cover for a few months. That time just flew and nearly four years later, I was still there! I also became an assessor for the Declared Facility Status which is a standard for watch stations set by HM Coastguard. I also became a National Support Officer, advising and supporting any stations with special challenges.
6. You moved to NCI Runton (now NCI Cromer) what happened then?
The station was in dire need of renovations and yet still remained open seven days a week. Finding the money needed for a new station was a big task so I wrote to Sir James Dyson who had grown up in Cromer and was known to be a keen sailor.
I was overjoyed when his foundation got in touch and gave a donation to the new unit and agreed to be Honorary Patron. The support we had was amazing, with Sheringham Shoal Windfarm and Victory Housing Trust also providing vital funds to help us open the new station which is now known as NCI Cromer.
7. Is there a watch you’ll never forget and what was it?
I’ll never forget my first incident. We were watching over Caister beach and spotted two boys swimming off some rocks. We saw that one had gone out too far and was struggling as he was swept further out to sea by the tide. We called the Coastguard who asked the lifeboat to launch and thankfully the boy was rescued which was a massive relief all-round. Being involved in helping to save a life made me so proud.
8. What has surprised you about National Coastwatch?
Every day I’m surprised by the generosity of the people involved with NCI and no day is ever the same. It touches me to know that we’re a real part of the community and people feel they can rely on us. With plenty of tea and biscuits to keep us going, our close-knit team is just the same as at our other stations - watching and ready, no matter what.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us, we have 59 stations around the coast of England and Wales. Find out more here: Information for Potential Watchkeepers | National Coastwatch Institution (nci.org.uk)