Cowes Harbour Commission is delighted to announce the launch of its very first Harbour Safety Day, a free community event designed to promote safety on and around the water while providing an enjoyable and interactive day out for all ages.
Taking place on Saturday 18 July, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at The Sugar Store, Shepards Marina, the event will bring together a range of local emergency services, maritime organisations and industry experts, all sharing their knowledge, skills and advice to help visitors stay safe on the water.
Whether you’re a regular harbour user, a keen sailor, a paddleboarder, a fisherman, or simply interested in learning more about the organisations that help keep our harbour safe, Harbour Safety Day promises something for everyone.
What’s On
Visitors can enjoy a variety of free interactive activities and demonstrations throughout the day, including:
- Cowes Harbour Commission – Take on our water-based (model) boat obstacle course and put your boat handling skills to the test against the clock.
- Cowes RNLI – Complete the family-friendly harbour safety scavenger hunt, visit the lifejacket clinic and learn more about staying safe at sea.
- Maritime Volunteer Service – Have a go at line throwing and discover the skills used by maritime professionals.
- National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) – Needles Station – Attend informative safety presentations and ask questions during interactive Q&A sessions.
- St John Ambulance – Test your CPR skills and refresh your first aid knowledge.
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service – Explore a fire engine, meet firefighters and even try on operational firefighting kit.
- Islandwide Marine – Learn practical engine maintenance tips to help keep your vessel running safely.
- Cowes RNLI Lifeboat and Gosport Lifeboat – Both lifeboats will be moored in Shepards Marina, offering visitors the opportunity to see these impressive rescue vessels up close.
Throughout the day, visitors will also have the chance to speak directly with the organisations that help keep our waters safe, ask questions and pick up valuable advice to help make every trip on the water a safe one.
Harbour Safety Day has been created to raise awareness of good safety practices while encouraging the local community and visitors alike to engage with the organisations that work tirelessly to protect those using our harbour and surrounding waters.
The event is completely free to attend, with no booking required, making it the perfect opportunity for families, boat owners, water sports enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in maritime safety to come along and get involved.
We look forward to welcoming you to our first Harbour Safety Day and hope this will become an annual event in the Cowes calendar.
Event Details
Saturday 18 July
10:00am – 4:00pm
The Sugar Store, Shepards Marina, Cowes
Free Entry – No Booking Required
