Safer Waters Association
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31* October 2025
The Trustees of the Safer Waters (SW) Association present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31* October 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note to the financial statements and comply with the Safer Waters Constitution, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).
Objectives and activities
The principal objective of the Association is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who participate in organised sporting and community events on the sea and inland waters through, but not restricted to, the following activities:
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e to participate in organised on-the-water sporting events;
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e to provide a trained safety boat service;
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e toadvise and educate on safety on the water matters;
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e to encourage community involvement in improving safety on the water;
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e to offer relevant RYA (Royal Yachting Association) accredited training courses to members and the general public.
In managing the business of the Association, the Trustees have had due regard to the CCNI's public benefit guidance.
Achievements and performance
Events:
Safer Waters participated in twelve organised events over the last year for the public’s benefit, with four further events being cancelled due to adverse weather. There were two events we were unable to provide cover for, owing to last minute nature of requests.
These events consisted of charity dips, community swims, an International Sailing Event, Coastal Rowing Events/ Challenges and safety cover for large council-run events (Sea Bangor).
Total number of participants covered: 1,800 in sporting events plus a further 30,000 (estimated) at Sea Bangor 2025. This required a total of 120 volunteer days to achieve, providing both on-shore personnel and boat crews.
We additionally responded to requests from HM Coastguard to render assistance on two occasions, mainly attending disabled vessels and assisting them to safety. However, as we are not a “declared asset”, we do not gain formal recognition for these actions.
Safer Waters Association
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31* October 2025
Training:
During the 2024-25 year we carried out 6 RYA approved Powerboat Training courses, qualifying 32 candidates to Powerboat Level Two standard. A further 4 candidates successfully completed PB2 individually for a variety of reasons. One RYA approved SRC (Short Radio Course) was carried out earning 3 candidates their RYA SRC certificates.
Financial review
Income for the year was £15.7k made up of significant amounts from Charitable Activities, specifically training (£9.3k) and from Voluntary Receipts including fundraising (£0.6k), donations and gifts (£2.9k) and membership fees (£1.3k). Expenditurewas £15.6k and the significant costs included training costs (£4.9k), boat/trailer maintenance (£2.4k) and mooring costs (£2.2k). This resulted ina small surplus for the year which is viewed as entirely satisfactory given the loss of the Gala Ball which was a major fund raiser in previous years.
Anew Reserves Account was opened during the year and cash at bank at 31* October 2025 was £15,524 (Current A/C £10k and Reserves A/C £5.5k) made up of £2.9kin Restricted Funds and £12.6k in Unrestricted Funds. Restricted funds are held for specific expenditure and Unrestricted Funds are held to cover operational costs during the winter and spring months and any unforeseen expenditure or asset replacement that may be required.
Factors affecting the financial position in future periods
The principal factors which will affect the financial position in future periods include the ability to retain existing members and attract new members, to continue to generate funds from the use of training resources, donations from event support and fundraising by members, whilst looking after the assets of the Association and maintaining a tight rein on expenditure.
Risk Factors
The Trustees are satisfied that the charitable purpose of the Association has been maintained, that all monies have been accounted for and that the assets are secure and have been used in the delivery of Safer Waters services to community-based events. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Association is exposed and are satisfied that appropriate systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. It should be further noted that in order to mitigate the legal and financial risks to members, the Association has decided to become a charitable company limited by guarantee and hopes to make the change in 2026.
Structure, Governance and Management
Safer Waters is an Unincorporated Association made up of Members who share the same values. There are three categories of membership, Adult, Family and Junior. The structure, governance and management of the Association is clearly documented in the Safer Waters Constitution. In summary, the management of the Association is in the hands of the Trustees supported by a Board of Management.
The Board of Management is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting by the membership of the Association. The Trustees are appointed by the Board of Management.
Safer Waters Association
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31* October 2025
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Board of Management (appointed Jan 2025) Trustees (appointed/reappointed Jan 2025)
Mr. Michael Meharg Commodore (C/P) Mr. Michael Meharg P
Ms. Bairbre Ryan Mr. Richard Barbour [sd
Mr. Richard Barnes [Treasurer | Vacant
wr Rob Gorn [Taking
wsconkatnee _[oweormee || |
Mr. Jonathan Mitchell | Events & Logistics i
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Membership
The table below records the number of members of the Association compared to previous year:
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Membership Category 2024/2025 2023/2024
CS
a
EO
EO
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The Trustees are indebted to the many members of the Association who give so willingly of their time, knowledge and expertise to manage the day-to-day activities, to carry out the main charitable activities of training and event support and to fundraise in so many diverse ways. Without this valuable contribution the Association would not have been able to achieve so much.
Reference and Administrative Details
Name of Charity: Safer Waters Association Charity Registration Number: NIC 108273 Registered Address: Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor BT20 SED
Charity Trustees: (during the period)
Mr. M. Meharg Mr. R. Barbour
Safer Waters Association
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TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31* October 2025
Exemptions from Disclosure
None
Funds held as Custodian Trustee on behalf of Others
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None
Bhs
Mr. M. Méharg Mr. R. Barbour
Trustees ‘s
oot: AGLN|2025. ees. (8/22 ‘
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