coastguard

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkəʊs(t)gɑːd/

noun

(the coastguard)
  • an organization keeping watch on coastal waters in order to assist people or ships in danger and to prevent smuggling: the speedy response of the coastguard [as modifier]: a coastguard station
  • chiefly British a member of the coastguard organization: four yachtsmen were saved by coastguards after their vessel flooded