A VOLUNTEER coastal watch group in Redcar is on the look out for recruits to help save lives.

Coastwatch Redcar is a volunteer coastal surveillance station working from above the Zetland Lifeboat Museum in Redcar, as part of a national coastal and inshore organisation promoting sea safety.

The scheme was set up in 1996 when cost-cutting measures resulted in the withdrawal of a coastguard service in Redcar.

The Coastwatch scheme provides the same service as the coastguard did, but without being paid.

The service is funded entirely through donations, like its sister service the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Earlier this week the Coastwatch team signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority which formalised their pledge to work together to ensure sea safety.

Volunteers keep watch over vessels in the North Sea off the Redcar coast as well as a sharp eye on people on the beach and water sports enthusiasts in the sea.

They work 365 days of the year, from 8am until 4pm.

If they spot anything which could be a potential problem they immediately contact the coastguard who then take control of the situation.

Last year, the Redcar team spotted 29 incidents which would have gone unreported because of the lack of coastguard facilities in the town which could have resulted in a loss of life.

These included a windsurfer who had fallen into the water, fishing boats which had broken down, and beachcombers who had been cut off by incoming tides.

They also became involved in searches for missing people.

But not all accidents at sea or on the shore occur when volunteers are available and the the group is aware that more people may be saved if members were patrolling Redcar for longer hours.

Station controller Ray Preston, a former coxswain on the Sir James Knott Lifeboat, is desperate for new volunteers so that the watch hours can be extended to 9.30pm.

He said: "We have 30 volunteers at the moment, but we need as many people as we can get.

"We need anyone who is aged over 18 and who is relatively healthy with good eyesight. Training is done at the station."

Stuart McGill, deputy district controller for the Tyne Tees Coastguard, said he wished the team well in its recruitment drive.

"In the early 1970s the coastguard service became more up to date and a modern service with operations teams, radios and technology.

"Groups like Coastwatch have come along and provide an extra pair of eyes and pass on information to us.

"We appreciate the work they do and if they are looking to extend the hours and the service they provide, all credit to them."

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Mr Preston on (01642) 491606.

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