Earlier this year, CCR Energy helped install a new monitoring system for the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI).
Last month, during Drowning Prevention Week (14 – 21 June 2025), the camera was installed on the roof of the ACE2, the old visitor centre at the decommissioned Aberthaw Power Station. The area the camera covers was previously not visible to the NCI volunteers at St. Donat’s Bay station, so the new equipment has made it possible for the crew to monitor this section of the coast.
Almost immediately, the camera was proven to be vital in enhancing the visibility along the coastline and out to sea. Just two hours after installation, two paddleboarders were reported as missing to HM Coastguard. HM Coastguard put out a radio broadcast to any vessels in the Font-y-Gary area, trying to locate the paddleboarders. Thanks to the new camera, the crew at NCI St. Donat’s Bay station were able to locate the paddleboarders, advise HM Coastguard of their location and monitor their safe return to shore.
Neil French, NCI St. Donat’s Bay Station Manager said, “The camera has expanded the area of coastline that we can monitor, beyond those areas in our line of sight.” He added “Between the 3 local NCI stations (Nell’s Point, St. Donat’s Bay, and Porthcawl), 21 miles of the Welsh coastline can now be monitored by CCTV, which allows watchkeepers to alert the Coastguard of any arising issues or respond to alerts such as the recent incident.”
“The camera has expanded the area of coastline that we can monitor, beyond those areas in our line of sight. Between the 3 local NCI stations, 21 miles of the Welsh coastline can now be monitored by CCTV, which allows watchkeepers to alert the Coastguard of any arising issues or respond to alerts such as the recent incident.”
Drowning Prevention Week
Coincidentally, the installation took place during Drowning Prevention Week, one of the largest summer water safety campaigns across the UK and Ireland. The campaign targets families, carers, teachers and instructors of children aged five to fifteen years old with the aim of educating them about water safety.
According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, around 4.3 million people participated in outdoor swimming in 2022-2023, and while this is beneficial for both mental and physical health, open water bodies pose significant hazards, such as strong currents, underwater obstacles, and cold-water temperatures. This emphasises the importance of having access to expert water safety advice and resources.
About the National Coastwatch Institution
The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) was established in 1994. Today, around 2,800 volunteer watchkeepers in over 60 stations keeping a daily visual and listening watch along the coastline of England and Wales.
As the “eyes and ears along the coast,” NCI volunteers closely monitor sea and land activity and alert rescue and emergency services if someone appears to be in trouble.
CCR Energy worked with representatives from the NCI St. Donat’s Bay station, which became operational in 2021 on the seafront at UWC Atlantic College. The station, which also trains students as NCI cadets, was proud in 2023 to be assessed and approved as a search and rescue asset for HM Coastguard.
NCI St. Donat’s Bay is currently searching for future volunteer watchkeepers, who all receive full training. If you would like to know more, please send an email to st.donats.bay@nci.org.uk
CCR Energy is pleased to host this special equipment and continue to support the work of NCI and the Coastguard, as keeping the community safe is a priority.
Written by Nuri Santiaguillo