Schoolchildren in Nansledan have helped launch a new water safety initiative after designing posters now installed around the community’s Chapel Wetlands.
The colourful signs, created by Year 5 and 6 pupils at Nansledan School, have been unveiled beside a series of wildlife ponds, which form part of the Duchy of Cornwall’s sustainable urban drainage system for Nansledan.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, attended the unveiling of the signs which will raise awareness of water safety among residents and visitors. The project is a collaboration between Newquay Community Fire Station, part of the Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, the Duchy of Cornwall and the school.
The Chapel Wetlands, on the southern edge of Nansledan, include 10 large man-made ponds linked by paths, walkways and viewing platforms. As well as creating a 22-hectare haven for wildlife and recreation, the ponds can hold more than 26 million litres of water, helping manage stormwater and surface water run-off during heavy rain.
The posters share important water safety messages, including advice to float to live, call 999 in an emergency and use the What3Words locations displayed at each pond to help emergency services respond quickly.
Matthew Livingstone, Watch Manager, Green Watch at Newquay Community Fire Station, said: “The Chapel Wetlands are a fantastic community asset, but as with any area of open water it is important that people understand the potential risks and know how to respond if they see someone in difficulty.
“By involving local pupils in creating these signs, we’ve been able to share important safety messages in a fun and creative way. The signs will serve as a reminder of simple actions that can save lives, including calling 999, using the What3Words locations and remembering the Float to Live advice. We’re grateful to the pupils, staff and the Duchy of Cornwall for supporting this initiative and helping us promote water safety in such a positive way.”
Pat Wilkins, Commercial Manager for the Duchy of Cornwall at Nansledan who helped co-ordinate the project, added: “The Chapel Wetlands are a popular green corridor bordering
Nansledan, providing a haven for wildlife, a place for people to enjoy nature and an important way of managing water sustainably.
“The children have done a brilliant job creating these posters. They are full of practical safety messages and presented in a way that will really catch people’s attention. We would like to thank Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the Lord Lieutenant and everyone involved in the project. It’s has been a real community effort.”
