Drowning Prevention and Water Safety

Drowning is a significant cause of death on UK construction sites, particularly in civil engineering and utilities work.
Work near or over water includes rivers, canals, reservoirs, tanks, deep excavations with water, and coastal sites.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a specific risk assessment for water hazards.
A person can drown in as little as 15 centimetres of water if incapacitated by a fall or cold water shock.
Cold water shock causes gasping, hyperventilation, and loss of muscle control within seconds of immersion.
Personal flotation devices must be worn by anyone working within two metres of open water or over water.
Rescue equipment such as throw bags, lifebuoys, and rescue lines must be available and clearly marked at the waterside.
A buddy system must be in place — no one should work alone near open water at any time.
Edge protection, barriers, and warning signs must be installed around all open water hazards on site.
All workers near water must be briefed on the rescue plan and know the location of rescue equipment.

Prevent drowning	A person can lose consciousness within 90 seconds of cold water immersion — prevention and rapid rescue are essential.
Legal duty	Employers must assess water hazards and provide controls including PPE, rescue equipment, and trained personnel.
Protect all workers	Drowning incidents often involve multiple casualties when untrained rescuers enter the water to help.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device when working within two metres of open water.
Check that rescue equipment is in place and accessible before starting work near water.
Use the buddy system — never work alone near any open water or deep excavation.
Install edge protection, barriers, and warning signs around all water hazards.
Brief all workers on the rescue plan and location of rescue equipment before starting.
Report any missing or damaged rescue equipment to your supervisor immediately.
Monitor weather conditions and water levels — stop work if flooding risk increases.
Ensure safe access and egress is provided at all water-adjacent work locations.
Know the signs of cold water shock and how to respond if someone falls in.
Keep rescue throw bags and lifebuoys within easy reach of all water-side work areas.

DON'T work near open water without wearing a personal flotation device.
DON'T start work near water until you have confirmed rescue equipment is in place.
DON'T work alone near water under any circumstances — always use the buddy system.
DON'T remove barriers or edge protection around water hazards for any reason.
DON'T assume you can swim to safety — cold water shock disables even strong swimmers.
DON'T ignore missing lifebuoys or throw bags — report and replace them immediately.
DON'T continue working if water levels are rising or weather conditions are worsening.
DON'T jump into water to rescue someone — use throw bags and call emergency services.
DON'T store materials or equipment where they could fall or be knocked into water.
DON'T underestimate shallow water — a fall into 15cm of water can be fatal if unconscious.

See also: Working Over Water | Rescue Equipment Locations

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