Volunteers
Watchkeeping involves a wide social network with around 60 volunteers. Monthly meetings are held with visiting speakers, training updates and an annual party.
Watchkeepers at Prawle Point provide the ‘eyes and ears’ along the coast by keeping a visual watch, monitoring radio channels, using radar and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. All watchkeepers hold Short Range Radio Certificates (SRC) to operate the National Coastwatch dedicated VHF Channel 65.
They watch for emergencies at sea and provide a contact point for emergencies on shore every day of the year. Local weather is recorded at two hourly intervals and local forecasts are reported to members of the public as required.
Search and Rescue
Prawle Point Coastwatch forms an integral part of the local Search and Rescue (SAR) facilities by communicating with Solent Coastguard, working closely with Salcombe RNLI and, when required, assisting emergency services.