Cleethorpes’ new Coastwatch station has received royal recognition following a visit from The Princess Royal. The mobile surveillance unit, based at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, marks the town’s first permanent National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) presence.
The station, converted from an exhibition trailer earlier this year, operates as a lookout point over the beach and estuary. It forms part of the NCI’s network of 61 coastal stations across the UK, all staffed by over 2,800 trained volunteers who work alongside the Coastguard, RNLI, Border Force, and emergency services to help protect lives at sea.
Cleethorpes joins nearby East Coast watch stations at Chapel St Leonards, Mablethorpe, and Skegness, adding an extra layer of safety for the popular seaside resort. Since opening, the local team has supported coastal monitoring and safety operations through the busy summer season.
Following her visit, Princess Anne met with volunteer watchkeepers before attending a reception at Cleethorpes Golf Club alongside local council leaders. The event highlighted the community’s growing role in supporting the volunteer-run charity, which aims to secure a permanent base in the area to continue its coastal safety mission.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
