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

As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... Naval Tugs at work. Tugs are an important part of Portsmouth harbour. Admiralty tugs and SERCO tugs help ensure the safety of shipping transiting the harbour. Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@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.

 As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... Traditional Sailing Boats Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@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.

 As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... T he carriers !  Look out for more pictures! Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@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.

  Alan, former naval officer   Why I became a watchkeeper? I love binoculars round my neck and to see the whole of the eastern Solent in view and that I am making a contribution to water safety.     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.

  Mark, amateur sailor and food and beverage business man   Why I became a watchkeeper? I have a love of the sea. I love the location in Fort Blockhouse and the teamwork.     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.

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.