Half of Brits STILL don’t know to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in a seaside emergency – even though the service has been around for 50 years!
Joe and Petunia Make a Splash Again
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has revealed shocking new research showing 50% of people are unaware they should call 999 for the Coastguard during coastal emergencies. To tackle this, they’ve relaunched a fresh video tribute to the iconic 1968 public info film featuring Joe and Petunia.
Back in the 60s, Joe and Petunia were two clueless cartoon characters who, after spotting a dinghy sailor in trouble, finally realised the right move was to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The quirky 90-second classic became a cult hit for decades, with fans fondly remembering Joe’s shout of “coooeeee!” and his cheeky “that’s what they call them, you know, one dinjys.”
Modern Coastguard Heroes Star in New Flick
The updated 2018 film brings Joe back in animated form, alongside a modern-day Petunia (with voices from both eras) and the dinghy sailor now in live action. Real-life HM Coastguard and RNLI staff feature heavily, showcasing a Coastguard operations room, rescue teams in action, and dramatic scenes at sea with Coastguard helicopters and lifeboats – all packed into a tight 40 seconds.
Officials Warn: Know Who to Call at the Coast
“We’re all hoping for sunshine over the Bank Holiday and half term to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but the seaside can be dangerous. Everyone must know who to call if trouble strikes,” said Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani.
Julie-Anne Wood, Head of Maritime Operations at the MCA, added: “We pride ourselves on having one of the world’s most advanced Coastguard services. Calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard should be second nature. Yet half the public still don’t know this. We’re counting on Joe to work his magic again, reminding a new generation that if someone’s in trouble by the coast or at sea, calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard is the right move.”
Don’t get caught out! Remember Joe and Petunia’s message – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you’re in trouble at the coast.
