The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) station situated at The Needles has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2018, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
National Coastwatch Institution is a fully voluntary group and mans The Needles lookout 365 days a year, keeping a watch on all mariners and craft both leisure and commercial.
The station currently has 65 volunteer watch keepers, male and female, who operate the lookout from 09:00 to 17:00 daily with extended hours during the summer months. The facility is an integral part of the search and rescue services for the Western Solent and is independently evaluated annually. It reports directly to Solent Coastguard.
Last year Needles NCI was involved in 25 marine incidents and several land-based incidents.
Uniquely, among other National Coastwatch stations, Needles Station is part of the safety and rescue cover for the world’s largest yacht race (Round The Island), the world’s largest walking festival (Walk the Wight) and covers 4 marathon and half marathon runs. In addition, it supports West Wight Sports & Community Centre’s Cross Solent and Needles Swims.
Needles NCI is developing a first responder capability, with defibrillator, to be of assistance to the 300,000 people who visit The Needles site annually. Currently over half of the 65 watch keepers are trained first aiders and the intention is for all to become qualified.
