National Coastwatch Institution Lee-on-the-Solent KAVS
The National Coastwatch Institution emerged in 1994 after several HM Coastguard visual watch points shut down around the UK. As a registered charity, it relies on volunteers to maintain vigilance over coastal areas, acting as an extra layer in search and rescue operations.
At Lee-on-the-Solent, the station sits at the western edge of Beach Road car park along Marine Parade East, offering clear sightlines across the Central Solent. This position allows watchkeepers to scan for hazards, from drifting vessels to people in trouble on the water.
The idea for the station came from an NCI member who relocated nearby for family reasons and spotted a shortfall in local coverage. Backed by community input, it became the first of four such outposts surveying the Solent.
Volunteers here commit to daily shifts throughout the year, even on Christmas Day, providing 365-day oversight. They listen on VHF channel 65 with the call sign Lee NCI, ready to relay details to HM Coastguard.
One example involved detecting a yacht hampered by a damaged spinnaker; the team notified authorities, prompting a response from the Hamble lifeboat. Such interventions underline the station’s role in preventing minor issues from escalating.
In addition to watches, the group runs water safety sessions in nearby schools, teaching young people about coastal risks. They also join local gatherings, like contributing a decorated tree to St Faith’s Christmas festival. The station holds Declared Facility status, affirming its reliability in official rescue frameworks.
Recognition arrived in 2024 with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, seen as an MBE equivalent for groups. This accolade celebrates the volunteers’ persistence and coincides with the NCI’s 30th year.
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage put forward the nomination, with endorsements from Geoff Holt of the Wetwheels Foundation, GAFIRS lifeboat crew, and councillors. As a result, the station now carries the title NCI Lee-on-the-Solent KAVS.
Operations run from 08:30 to 19:00 in summer months, shifting to 09:00 to 16:30 in winter. Anyone keen to get involved can reach out by phone at 02392 556758 or email. Training equips new recruits with skills in observation, radio use, and weather assessment, ensuring effective contributions. The setup includes tools for tracking marine traffic, aiding in quick responses to unfolding situations.
This ongoing work ties into broader NCI initiatives, such as the 2024 flag relay marking the anniversary, which passed through southern stations. By blending routine vigilance with outreach, the Lee-on-the-Solent team strengthens ties between land and sea safety.
Read more
- NCI Lee-on-the-Solent – KAVS Living History – ncilivinghistory.org.uk
- Flag relay marks coastal watch anniversary – bbc.co.uk
- The watchful eyes of Coastwatch Lee – thegosportglobe.co.uk
- Eyes along the coast: the vital work of the National Coastwatch Institution – thebridgemagazine.org