Wirral has a permit scheme in place for those wishing to use council slipways to:
- take vehicles on to the foreshore
- launch and recover small powered and unpowered craft
The permit scheme is intended to check that those using council slipways are suitably insured and qualified in order to ensure both their own safety and that of the wider public.
What isn't covered by this permit scheme
Access to West Kirby Marine Lake is not covered by this permit scheme. For details regarding permits to use craft on the marine lake contact the Wirral Watersports Centre.
Council slipways
Access for vehicles to the foreshore and for the launching and recovery of small powered and unpowered craft is available via a number of council slipways.
The slipways currently covered by the scheme are:
| Victoria Road South, New Brighton | Powered and Unpowered craft |
| Harrison Drive | Unpowered craft only |
| Dee Lane, West Kirby | Hilbre tenants only |
| Sandy Lane, West Kirby | Unpowered craft only |
| Thurstaston | Dee Sailing club and commercial fishing only |
| Bank Road, Heswall | Access to moorings and unpowered craft only |
| Dovepoint, Meols | Hoylake Sailing club and moorings only |
Personal watercraft and jet skis are restricted to launching only from the Victoria Road South slipway in New Brighton.
Access to the slipways is managed through a permit system. This is administered on behalf of the council by Safewater Training Limited, Victoria Parade, New Brighton, CH45 2PH (Tel: 0151 630 0466). The fees charged by the council are:
| Powered craft | £120 |
| Unpowered craft | £50 |
| Vehicle access only | £50 |
How to apply for a slipway permit
The PDF file below may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices.
- download an application form (PDF, 204KB)
- or collect a printed application form at Safewater
Provide all of the documentation requested on the form to Safewater and proof of online payment (screenshot or printed receipt).
Pay online
- visit wirral.gov.uk/make-payment > Pay online by card button > Other Payments > Slipway Permit Payments
- make a note of the amount paid and the online payment reference (to input on page 3 of the application form)
If you are a member of a New Brighton, Hoylake or West Kirby sailing club, please contact your club in the first instance for further details about the permit you require.
Access to other slipways not covered by the scheme, or access requirements for special events may be available by arrangement – contact engage@wirral.gov.uk