EMG/General/TBT-EMG-011

Drowning Emergency Response

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Drowning Emergency Response

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EMG-011  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
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What?

  • Drowning is a leading cause of death on construction sites, particularly in water and wastewater sectors.
  • A person who falls into water can lose consciousness within 60 seconds due to cold water shock.
  • Rescue equipment including lifebuoys, throw lines, reaching poles, and rescue boats must be pre-positioned.
  • Untrained rescuers entering the water frequently become secondary casualties — this must be prevented.
  • The emergency response plan must specify who raises the alarm, who performs rescue, and how.
  • All workers near water must know the location of the nearest rescue equipment and how to use it.
  • CPR must begin immediately once the casualty is removed from the water — every second counts.
  • Cold water immersion causes rapid heat loss, so hypothermia treatment is needed alongside CPR.
  • Emergency services must be called at the earliest opportunity with clear location and access details.
  • Regular rescue drills ensure workers can perform the response under pressure when it matters.

Why?

Time criticalDrowning victims have minutes before irreversible brain damage — speed of rescue determines survival.
Prevent secondary casualtiesUntrained water rescue attempts are a leading cause of multiple fatalities at the same incident.
Duty of careEmployers working near water must have emergency plans, trained personnel, and rescue equipment in place.
Do Don't
  • Know the location of all rescue equipment before starting work near water
  • Raise the alarm immediately — shout for help and call emergency services
  • Throw a lifebuoy or throw line to the casualty rather than entering the water
  • Use a reaching pole or extending device from a stable position on the bank
  • Begin CPR as soon as the casualty is out of the water if they are not breathing
  • Treat for hypothermia by removing wet clothing and wrapping in warm blankets
  • Brief emergency services on the exact location and best access route to site
  • Practise rescue drills at least quarterly with all workers near water locations
  • Ensure rescue equipment is inspected regularly and always accessible
  • Designate trained rescue personnel for each shift working near water
  • DON'T enter the water to attempt rescue unless you are trained and equipped
  • DON'T delay raising the alarm — call for help before attempting any rescue
  • DON'T assume someone else has called the emergency services — confirm it yourself
  • DON'T approach unstable banks or edges where you could fall in during rescue
  • DON'T give up CPR until the emergency services arrive and take over
  • DON'T remove rescue equipment from its designated location for other purposes
  • DON'T place the rescued person in a hot bath — rewarm gradually with blankets
  • DON'T leave a conscious casualty unattended — they may deteriorate quickly
  • DON'T forget to account for all personnel after a water emergency incident
  • DON'T skip rescue drills — an unpractised response costs lives in a real emergency

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Rescue Equipment Locations
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