COASTWATCH volunteers are back on watch at Rame Head following the re-opening of the NCI station – but along the coast at Polruan, the station remains closed.
Trustees of the National Coastwatch Institution made the decision to bring watchkeepers back, with some restrictions, after the easing of lockdown rules which now means that recreational water use is permitted.
Watchkeepers work closely alongside the Coastguard. They help keep people safe and assist in rescues by scanning the coast visually and keeping a listening watch on radio channels.
Rame NCI station manager Colin Scott said: ’We shall be doing solo watches, and be open for slightly reduced hours, from 9am to 6pm each day.
’Visitors will not be permitted to visit the lookout until restrictions are further relaxed. Weather broadcasts will be transmitted as normal, and those venturing onto the water can contact the station on Ch. 65 for radio checks and actual weather conditions.’
But at Polruan, volunteer watchkeepers who are keen to come back to the NCI station there cannot return to work, as the nearby toilet facilities which they rely on are still shut because of the pandemic.
The public toilets are run by Lanteglos-by-Fowey Parish Council, which said it would be discussing whether or not to re-open the facilities at its next meeting on May 26.