A newly installed CCTV camera now offers enhanced public safety along East Devon coast at East Devon’s Sandy Bay. Thus providing critical support to Coastguard operations and improved visibility for National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) volunteers.
Located on a historic MOD Watch Tower, this initiative by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) aims to better safeguard visitors and local communities along Exmouth’s scenic coastline.
Enhanced Safety for Sandy Bay
With increasing numbers of visitors and boaters along Devon’s coast, the new CCTV system provides a much-needed solution for safety concerns, particularly around Sandy Bay and Orcombe Point.
Known for cliff falls and tidal risks, this area now benefits from around-the-clock surveillance, improving response times for incidents and providing local authorities with critical visibility in otherwise hidden coastal zones.
According to Major (Retd) Rich Carter, Training Safety Officer for DIO’s Straight Point,
“It fixes the ‘blind spot’ across Sandy Bay and Orcombe Point, enabling the watchkeepers to do their job more effectively, and improves public safety in the area for the local community and visitors.”
A Collaborative Safety Effort
The £10,000 camera installation, meanwhile, is the fourth CCTV camera added along the Devon coast as part of DIO and NCI’s ongoing safety initiatives. Consequently, this enhancement strengthens coastal surveillance.
Notably, the camera sits atop a former MOD Watch Tower, previously used to monitor the Sea Danger Area (SDA) but now repurposed. Thus, this strategic reuse breathes new life into the historic structure, giving it a renewed purpose and updated functionality.
This collaboration between DIO, NCI, and the local community of Millbrook Village underscores the value of collective efforts in protecting both residents and visitors.
“This new camera is of huge benefit, allowing us to assist HMCG with resolving incidents in the area which we were previously unable to do,” shared Graham Nye, Training Officer for NCI Exmouth. “It has been a real team effort, and we believe that it will help to reduce the number of serious incidents in the area.”
Scope of Coastal Surveillance
To address visibility across this high-traffic area, NCI volunteers now have access to four CCTV cameras, operating 365 days a year. Below is an overview of each camera’s coverage area:
Camera Location |
Coverage |
|---|---|
| Sideshore (Exmouth) | Exmouth seafront |
| Exe Sailing Club | 85% of River Exe estuary |
| Budleigh Salterton Bay | Complete bay coverage |
| Straight Point Watch Tower | Sandy Bay to Orcombe Point |
This comprehensive monitoring setup allows NCI teams to detect and respond swiftly to any potential hazards or incidents.
Visitor Safety Guidelines
The MOD and local agencies encourage public access to Devon’s beaches and paths while promoting a “safety-first” approach. With many MOD training estates open to the public, responsible access remains a priority:
- Respect warning signs: Red flags and lights indicate restricted access during training.
- Check schedules: View live firing times on the GOV.UK website.
- Follow trails: Stick to designated trails and coastal paths.
- Practice dog safety: Keep dogs under control, and pick up after them.
- Report hazards: If military debris is encountered, report its location rather than touching it.
A Step Towards Safer Coasts
The new CCTV installation at Sandy Bay represents a major stride in public safety along Devon’s beloved coastline, reducing risks for visitors while supporting Coastguard teams.
This proactive step by the DIO and NCI will not only preserve lives but also protect the natural beauty of the area for everyone to enjoy responsibly.
Sources: THX News & Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
