Volunteer watchkeepers at Exmouth National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) returned to duty this morning (Sat).

The 70-strong team who work in shifts as lookouts at the Queen's Drive station resumed their seven-day-a-week service at 9am after an enforced suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"With the Government's easing of restrictions, the number of water and beach users is increasing," said Station Manager Ivor Jones.

"We are responding to the need for safety by reinstating our watches.

"To safeguard the wellbeing of our watchkeepers, we have introduced safety protocols that are, in turn, enabling us to provide our vital service to the public.

"We are particularly grateful to our kind sponsors at The Esplanade branch of Budgens for supplying us with 200 pairs of protective gloves."

Watches will run from 9am to 6pm daily during the summer with watchkeepers available to give mariners radio checks on the NCI's dedicated VHF Channel 65 with the call sign 'Exmouth NCI'.

The station also broadcasts inshore weather bulletins at 9.20am, 12.20pm and 4.20pm on the same channel.

Due to health considerations, the lookout is currently closed to visitors.

Exmouth Coastwatch is one of the 50-strong network of NCI lookout stations around the UK's coasts and the fourth busiest in the country.

It works with the Coastguard and RNLI to keep watch over the estuary and seafront for anyone getting into difficulties.