24 Oct 2025

Our Annual DFS Assessment

Today was our annual Declared Facility Status (DFS) assessment and we passed with flying colours.

The DFS is a standard established through a Memorandum of Understanding between His Majesty’s Coastguard and the National Coastwatch Institution. It is a benchmark that all NCI stations must attain and uphold, and passing the assessment maintains formal recognition of NCI Exmouth as a Search and Rescue (SAR) asset, equivalent in status to RNLI Lifeboats and SAR Helicopters.

Hugh and Steve managed the majority of the Assessor’s practical questions and requests for documentation before handing over to Cheryl and Phil for the second watch. This year’s assessment featured several conning exercises with the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), both within and outside Pole Sands. Special recognition goes to them for their focus and diligence that was evident throughout the extended exercise period in difficult weather conditions. The assessment concluded with a constructive feedback session between the RNLI and our team, observed by the Assessor, who commended the professionalism demonstrated by all parties from the initial pre-exercise briefing through to the debrief.

A big thank you to everyone involved in the preparation and successful execution of this year’s assessment.

13 Oct 2025

NCI EXMOUTH hosted a ‘Hands on CPR /AED

NCI EXMOUTH hosted a ‘Hands on CPR /AED‘ open practice session on Saturday at The Hub on Side Shore. This was a collaboration with the RLSS to support their ‘Restart a Heart’ campaign running all this week.

This was incredibly well supported with approximately 120 people coming to learn, update or just practice their skills.

 Many people said that now they had practiced using an AED and having seen how simple it was they would not hesitate to run to their nearest one at home to use it in an emergency. Some people did not know where their nearest one might be and went off determined to find out when they got back.

 We also promoted NCI and introduced those who had not heard of us to the excellent work carried out by our stations around the country.

Water Safety leaflets were handed out to young people, all of whom were keen to get involved with the CPR training. Little Ruben just two and half years old , on holiday down here was determined to give it a go and amazed us all with his concentration and passion to do it right.

We had young and old from all parts of the country and many locals.

All in all a very successful day.

3 Oct 2025

Presentation

Our Presentation Team were invited to speak to an organization called Moose International at the Exmouth Football Club last night.
Our DSM, John D gave a talk about our charity and how we assist His Majesty's Coastguard and other Search and Rescue colleagues to keep the Coast safe.
Thank you for the invite and your generous donation.

Moose International is an organization founded in 1888 and whose objective is the relief of need and financial hardship from youth, old age sickness or disability. It is dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities together by raising charitable funds for community organizations.

17 Sep 2025

Presentation to Sidmouth and East Devon Walkers

Our Presentation Team delivered an informative talk to the Sidmouth and East Devon Walkers at the Exmouth Rugby Club. The talk was preceded with a short walk around the seafront.

Some of the feed back from the 14 walkers who attended were:

  • "Great talk"

  • "Excellent; just the right length of walk followed by similar length talk which was really interesting and informative"

  • "Very informative talk. All good"

  • "I learned a lot about National Coastwatch"

  • "The walk was amazing, really enjoyed getting out and meeting the NCI who were very informative"

  • "Interesting stroll and informative talk"

Thank you for organizing this as part of the Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival. Thank you also for your donation which will help us keep "Eyes Along the Coast".

29 Aug 2025

Presentation to Broadclyst WI

Huge thank you to Broadclyst WI for their kind donation - and for all their excellent questions - at our Presentation Teams visit to them at the Clyst Centre last night.
Thank you for the tea and cake and for your hospitality.

26 Aug 2025

Coatal Safety at Ladram Bay

Three years ago His Majesty’s Coast Guard (HMCG) requested that National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) added to their watchkeeping role by taking on Coastal and Water Safety (CWS) work. Getting key safety messages out to the public with the hope of increasing awareness and reducing incidents.
At NCI Exmouth we embraced this new initiative with enthusiasm and vigour. The training is being embedded within our normal watchkeeper training and we are proud to have all new watchkeepers over the last year qualified in this aspect of our work.
Both our watchkeepers and dedicated CWS personal have been out and about this year, talking to the public about staying safe at the coast and handing out free resources.
The picture below shows watchkeeper Olga N at Ladram Bay. This was Olga's first event and she was nervous about interacting with the holiday makers. She soon found however, that it was easier than she thought and really enjoyed her day.
This is the third year running that we have visited Ladram Bay with our selection of ‘goodies’.
We have Water Safety activity booklets for the children along with colouring sheets and ‘Float to Live’ wristbands. For those people heading out on the cliff path or into the water, we have a variety of leaflets with key safety messages for a wide variety of water activities along with water proof labels for the craft and phone pouches.
We have one more session at Ladram Bay this Sunday 31st August (Weather dependent).
So please come along and say hello.
22 Aug 2025

Funds gratefully received

Today our Fundraising Officer, Roger Baker, received a cheque for £216.65 from Peter Dennis,the treasure of Weekenders Motorhome club, which they had raised at a rally in Exmouth recently and decided to donate to us as their nominated charity.

Many thanks for your generosity.

19 Aug 2025

Beer Regatta 2025

NCI Exmouth volunteers Attend Emergency Services Day at Beer Regatta.

Volunteer watchkeepers and Coastal Safety Officers from the National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) Exmouth participated in the Emergency Services Day at the Beer Regatta last week.

Karen Goldby, Lead Coastal Safety Officer, shared: “We were delighted to be invited again this year. Alongside our colleagues from NCI Lyme Bay, we engaged with over 250 attendees. We provided valuable information on NCI’s role in Search and Rescue, as well as essential safety tips for enjoying the beach, water, and coastline. It’s never too early to start learning, and we distributed around 120 children’s water safety activity booklets.”

She continued, “The waterproof stickers for paddle boards and kayaks were a big hit, along with phone pouches, 'Float to Live' wristbands, and stickers. We’re truly grateful to the organizers of Beer Regatta for this wonderful opportunity, and we look forward to returning next year.”

8 Aug 2025

Organ Donation Day

10 of our Watchkeepers and Coastal Water Safety team manned a stall throughout the day in support of Organ Donation Day at The Strand in Exmouth.

We were able to chat with many locals and holiday makers and spread the Coastal Safety messages to adults and children alike. Many people stopped to ask about our organization and we were able to inform them of our role within search and rescue and invite them to view the action from our lookout.

8 Aug 2025

Presentation given to the Woodbury Community Group

Our NCI Exmouth presentation team were invited along to the Woodbury Community Center Group to give a talk about our charity and how we assist the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and our other Search and Rescue partners.
We were welcomed and given tea and biscuits (which always works). Thank you for your generosity.

Whether you are a sailing or yacht club, a boat owners association, a local group or organisation, a local history group, a village hall committee, a local institute, a cadet forces unit, a pre-uniformed services course, or any local organisation, we would be pleased to visit you and explain all our role.

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