Jumping and swimming in the Cardiff Bay water are not allowed due to the risk of drowning. We’d like children in years 5 to 7 (aged 8+) to help Cardiff Harbour Authority spread this vital message by designing a poster about water safety in the Bay.
The 25 winning entries will be displayed along the Barrage Walkway during the summer. Over a million people visit the Barrage every year, so the banners will be famous! The remaining entries will be shown on our website or social media.
Bay banner instructions – please read carefully before starting your design
You can work alone or with your class. Here are some pointers about the Bay and water safety to spark ideas for your design:
- Watch the play
Schoolchildren (aged 8+) are encouraged to watch Just Jump, a hard-hitting play by Theatr na nÓg, which was commissioned by Cardiff Harbour Authority as part of our Arts and Business Cymru project. The performance drives home the water safety message in a powerful and poignant way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Lq4Yn-Emw - Big Bay
The Barrage created a freshwater lake (the Bay), which is topped up by the rivers Taff and Ely. The Bay is vast – 220 hectares in size, which is larger than 300 football pitches! - Cold water
The water in the Bay can feel cold all year round, even during the summer. Cold water can affect your breathing and lead to cold water shock. - Beneath the surface
The Bay’s unpredictable depths and hidden objects make it dangerous. - Unsafe obstacles
High speed boats operate in the Bay. Boat operators might not be able to see people in the water. - Risk of drowning
It only takes half a pint of water to enter someone’s lungs for them to start drowning. - Unsupervised swimming
The Bay water is not supervised by lifeguards. Swimming is much safer in lifeguarded areas, such as swimming pools and patrolled beaches. - Be water wise
It’s important to treat the Bay with respect and act responsibly. Stay safe, stay out!
Entry instructions
- Banner designs can be hand-drawn on paper or created digitally.
- Your design should be A4 landscape, and submitted in high resolution PDF or JPEG format.
- Please email your design (hand-drawn entries must be scanned not photographed), with its title, your name and your school, to: HarbourCompetition@cardiff.gov.uk.
Top tip
We’re looking for vibrant, colourful designs that will stand out.
Closing date
Please email your entries by Wednesday 10 June.
We can’t wait to see your water safety banners. Thank you and good luck!
May 1, 2026 12:01 pm.
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