National Coastwatch Institution watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, we are there to alert HM Coastguard and direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty. Our lookouts and watchkeepers are an often unseen lifeline to all those who use our coastal waters, footpaths and coastline. Today, 2800 trained volunteer watchkeepers at 60+ National Coastwatch stations, watchkeepers provide eyes and ears along the coast, keeping watch and monitoring radio channels to provide a listening watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, we are there to alert HM Coastguard who direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty.