VIEW FROM THE TOWER!

  Members of the National Coastwatch Institution station at Gosport recently made two presentations to the Chair of the Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, better known to everyone as GAFIRS. Cold Comfort! The first came as a result of the GAFIRS New Years Day swim; three hardy watchkeepers from the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Gosport station joined hundreds of swimmers for a chilly sponsored dip into the Solent on New Years Day. Although more used to keeping watch over the sea, coasts and other swimmers for those in distress, our watchkeepers bravely launched themselves intothe water and were not at all distressed to raise a substantial amount in personal sponsorship!One part of this was donated to the NCI station, and the other was given to GAFIRS. Heart Felt Thanks! An official ‘Thank You’ certificate was presented by the NCI Gosport Station Manager in recognition of a special training programme run by GAFIRS for the watchkeepers of NCI Gosport. This included First

Recently watchkeepers from Gosport NCI were invited to visit Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, known locally as GAFIRS. It is one of a surprising number of independent lifeboat rescue services around the coast (over 60) that plays a vital role in maritime and inshore safety.They work in close collaboration with the UK Coastguard and other lifeboat services, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Their area of coverage includes the waters off Lee-on-the-Solent, Hill Head, and Stokes Bay, extending out into the Solent itself and makes GAFIRS one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK!  The watchkeepers from the NCI were all impressed by the rigorous training the volunteers  received and to learn about the comprehensive and well equipped boats. The Joan Dora Fuller; the 9 m, 40 plus knots main lifeboat and the Ian Fuller; their 4.8 m, 30 knot inshore lifeboat. Based at the Premier Gosport Marina, the inshore lifeboat is a regular sight for NCI watchkeepers

This year, three of our intrepid watchkeepers; Caroline, Lenie and Lesley will be braving the icy waters of the Solent on New Year's Day. Last year they raised over £500, split equally between GAFIRS, Gosport's independent lifeboat and NCI Gosport. This year, again, over 400 people are expected to take part in the event at Stokes Bay, making it one of the largest charity swims on the south coast. Stay warm and watch the fun from midday! If you are thinking of having your own swim this year it is a good idea to check the tides, carry a charged mobile in a waterproof pouch, have warm dry clothing to change into - the sea temperature is just 9 Celsius and don't go alone! Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at gosport@nci.org.uk for more information. Making a donation to Gosport NCI: Text NCIGOSPORT to 70450 to donate £5. Social Media Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.