VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help keep the waters around Dwyfor and Meirionnydd safe.

Watchkeepers at the National Coast Watch are volunteers who keep an eye over the seas to keep sailors and their vessels clear from harm.

One of the service’s 52 lookouts, eight of which are in Wales, is the Porthdinllaen station based at the ex-Coastguard facility on the Nefyn and District Golf Club course.

As ‘eyes along the coast’ the watchkeepers were featured last month on ITV’s Coast & Country TV programme.

One watchkeeper interviewed on TV stressed that anyone, whatever their background, can volunteer to train as a watchkeeper.

The bulk of this training is given by sharing watches with experienced watchkeepers.

A spokesperson for the National Coast Watch at Porthdinllaen said: “There are short training courses on specific subjects for those interested.

“Porthdinllaen Station’s most recent, and spectacular, training course involved a ‘rib ride’ through the Menai Strait to learn about the significance of the buoys and other navigational aids in the area.

“Those who took part appreciated the need for the waterproofs handed out before their trip!

“We are always on the lookout for new volunteers – most watchkeepers do two or three watches per month – so if you are interested please visit www.nci.org.uk