Nansledan pupils launch water safety signs at Chapel Wetlands

Published On: 25 June 2026Last Updated: 25 June 2026By CornishStuff

📷 NANSLEDAN, CORNWALL : 08 June 2026. Water safety posters at the SUDS ponds, created by pupils at Nansledan Skol. Photographed for The Duchy of Cornwall by Hugh Hastings

There is a lot of water on the southern edge of Nansledan. Ten ponds hold more than 26 million litres between them, set within a green corridor that people walk through every day. Now a set of brightly coloured signs is reminding everyone what to do if something goes wrong, and the children who live nearby are the ones who designed them.

📷NANSLEDAN, CORNWALL : 08 June 2026. Water safety posters at the SUDS ponds, created by pupils at Nansledan Skol. Photographed for The Duchy of Cornwall by Hugh Hastings

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A community effort beside the ponds

Pupils in Years 5 and 6 at Nansledan School have helped launch a new water safety initiative, designing posters that are now installed around Chapel Wetlands. The signs were unveiled beside the 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. The project brings together Newquay Community Fire Station, part of Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, the Duchy of Cornwall and the school, with the aim of raising water safety awareness among residents and visitors.

📷NANSLEDAN, CORNWALL : 08 June 2026. Water safety posters at the SUDS ponds, created by pupils at Nansledan Skol. Photographed for The Duchy of Cornwall by Hugh Hastings

What the signs tell you

The posters carry a handful of simple messages that can make a difference in an emergency. They remind people to float to live, to call 999 if someone is in difficulty, and to use the What3Words location displayed at each pond so emergency services can reach the spot quickly.

Matthew Livingstone, Watch Manager on Green Watch at Newquay Community Fire Station, said the wetlands are a fantastic community asset but carry the same risks as any area of open water.

“By involving local pupils in creating these signs, we’ve been able to share important safety messages in a fun and creative way,” he said. “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.”

📷NANSLEDAN, CORNWALL : 08 June 2026. Water safety posters at the SUDS ponds, created by pupils at Nansledan Skol. Photographed for The Duchy of Cornwall by Hugh Hastings

More than 26 million litres of water

The Chapel Wetlands sit on the southern edge of Nansledan and include 10 large man-made ponds linked by paths, walkways and viewing platforms. The site covers 22 hectares, giving wildlife and people room to spread out.

The ponds do more than look good. Together they can hold more than 26 million litres of water, which helps manage stormwater and surface water run-off when heavy rain falls.

Pat Wilkins, Commercial Manager for the Duchy of Cornwall at Nansledan, helped co-ordinate the project. He described the wetlands as a popular green corridor and a haven for wildlife.

“The children have done a brilliant job creating these posters,” Pat said. “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 been a real community effort.”