Safety

Safety on the water is vitally important be it your own personal safety or the safety of others.

What do I need to check before launching ?

Here is a quick check list that you may find useful :-

1. Check the weather forecast (conditions can change very quickly therefore always check the forecast).
2. Check the Tide Tables.
3. Always have suitable clothing i.e. Wetsuit / Drysuit, Life Jacket, Booties, Gloves, Goggles etc.
4. Check the rear of the craft for any obstructions that might be caught up in the rear of the craft around the prop shaft, trim, exhaust, drive propulsion unit etc. Important if you see anything to clear them before starting the engine.
5. Inspect the engine compartment for any visible or potential faults i.e. loose cables, pipes, nuts/bolts, fuel or oil leaks (should you see anything obvious especially a leak of any kind Do Not attempt to start the craft - contact your dealer).
6. Make sure by visually checking in the engine compartment that you have enough Fuel and Oil for you time on the water (always good to visually check you tank just in case of faulty dials or electrics).
7. Test that the craft starts properly (do not run the engine for no longer than 20 seconds without being connected to a hosepipe as the engine will over-heat - a quick blast to see that it starts is ok) and stops by removal of "killcord".
8. Ensure that all bungs are closed.
9. Ensure that you have a means of contacting others in case of emergency by taking with you a mobile phone or VHF Radio (remember you may not have mobile phone signal coverage in all locations). It is also good practice to make sure that you have made someone else aware of where you intend on traveling to, and what time you should be back to shore.
10. Take with you either a rescue flare or glow sticks to help other locate you should the worst happen.
11. Always carry a tow rope (in case you need to be towed or you come across others who might need a tow).
12. Take with you a basic tool kit and spare spark plugs.
13. Take a basic first aid kit with you if you have space on board.
14. Take a knife just in case you need to cut your craft free of any debris etc.
15. Another handy item to carry with you is a collapsible paddle - very handy to carry if you have space on your craft (should you get stuck in floating debris or seaweed in your intake this would be very handy indeed!).
16. It is also a good idea to have an anchor (be it a sand anchor o normal) with you to secure your craft just in case you need to go ashore for a while.
17. Make sure that your "Killcord" is fastened or clipped onto you so if you were to fall from your craft the engine would stop.

Another important item to check is the condition of your trailer - the last thing you want to happen is to find you pride and joy left beached on the tarmac because your straps or wheel bearings have failed !!. It is good practice to check the condition of the wheel bearings before any long journey and as often as possible, the easiest way is to jack your trailer when connected to your tow bar and just test the wheels for any play. If there is considerable play in the wheel they may need replacing or tightening and should be done before you start your journey.

Should you wish to download this checklist please click here

Towing your Craft

The speed limits for Towing a personal watercraft is 50mph on single carriageway and 60mph on motorway or dual carriageway.

As mentioned above always check the conditions of your wheel bearings and also check that the craft is securely strapped or fastened to the trailer.

Another important thing to take into account is securing your trailer when left unattended, - don't just leave your craft and vehicle unattended, you just never know who might be around and I have heard a number of stories of people popping into motorway services and coming back out to find their pride and joy taken by some thief. If possible secure with wheel clamp or park within view.

Another point to remember if you have traveled a long distance, your wheel bearings will be very hot when you arrive at the launch site so let them cool down a bit - don't put your trailer straight in cold water as it might cause them to seize.

Buoy Guide

Here is a quick buoy guide so that you understand their purpose and significance :-

Red Buoy : Not widely used in Gwynedd but are in place at Black Rocks sand to highlight the designated launching area where a 4 kts maximum speed limit is applicable.

Yellow Buoy : Marker buoys showing designated areas. Either showing a speed restricted area or an area of exclusion (see exclusion zone maps in "Launch Site" section for details of the designation at each beach.

Red & Green Lateral Buoys : Lateral Buoys are used to highlight safe channels. When you ENTER a Harbour area you should pass the Red Lateral Buoy on your Left (Port) and the Green Lateral Buoy on your Right (Starboard).

Exclusion Zone Maps

Please be aware of exclusion zones at each launch site, these are designated areas which are marked by buoy's which personal watercraft are not allowed into or are allowed into but a speed limit applies.

A copy of all exclusion zone maps can be found in the "Launch Site" section of this website under each of the individual launch site or there will usually be a copy at the location.

Beach Safety

Gwynedd Council employ's a number of beach wardens and supervisors who are present at the a number of the County's beaches and at all of the launch sites listed on the site during summer months.

The Council Maritime Unit has 4 personal watercrafts which are clearly visible from their markings. They are used to patrol various beaches during the season.

In addition the Council's maritime unit has a few larger patrol vessels.

There is also a new member to the list of the units patrolling crafts (see below!). This is used on persistent offenders and rule breakers!!

Usefull Telephone Numbers

Pwllheli Harbourmaster : 01758 704 081 or 07879 433145

Pwllheli Beach Officer : 07831 216 043

Porthmadog Harbourmaster : 01766 512 927 or 07702 719 023

Porthmadog Beach Officer :07702 719 023

Barmouth Harbourmaster : 01341 280 671 or 07795 012 747

Aberdyfi Harbourmaster : 01654 767 626 or 07879 433 148

Nefyn Town Council (Responsible for Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn Beaches) : 01758 720 507

VHF : 12 / 16

Coast Guard (Holyhead) :01407 762 051

Maritime Unit Office : 01758 704 066

Maritime unit email : morwrol@gwynedd.gov.uk