February 19, 2026 - 151 views
Boaters and families gathered at Conwy Marina on Sunday as the Llandudno Water Safety Team hosted a lifejacket clinic aimed at helping people stay safe on the water ahead of the busy spring season.
Around 20 members of the public stopped by during the session on 15 February, with several bringing their own lifejackets for hands-on guidance on how to carry out routine safety checks. Volunteers demonstrated simple inspection steps and showed how to identify common faults that could prevent a lifejacket from inflating properly.
One jacket examined on the day revealed a small issue that would have stopped it deploying in an emergency — a fault that was quickly identified and rectified. Organisers said it was a timely reminder that even well-maintained equipment should be checked regularly.
The team also spoke with younger visitors about the importance of staying safe near open water — a key message in a coastal region like North Wales, where activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, sea fishing and kayaking are popular year-round.
Conwy Marina, located on the Conwy estuary, is a hub for boating in the area and provides access to coastal waters that can change rapidly with tides and weather conditions. Local rescue services, including the RNLI crews at Llandudno and Conwy, frequently respond to incidents involving small craft, many of which highlight the importance of wearing and maintaining appropriate safety gear.
Water safety campaigners say regular checks of lifejackets — including inspecting gas cylinders, checking automatic firing mechanisms and ensuring straps and buckles are secure — can make a crucial difference in an emergency.
The Llandudno Water Safety Team thanked Conwy Marina for providing outdoor space for the clinic and said it was encouraging to see both residents and visitors taking the time to learn more about safety.
A second Lifejacket Clinic will be held at Deganwy Marina from 10am on Sunday 22 March. Members of the public are invited to drop in for advice, demonstrations or a quick inspection of their own equipment as preparations begin for the spring and summer boating season.
