WAT/General/TBT-WAT-004

Rescue Equipment Locations

Water Safety › General › Rescue Equipment Locations

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Rescue equipment for water emergencies must be positioned at accessible points along all waterside work locations.
Standard rescue equipment includes lifebuoys, throw bags, rescue lines, reaching poles, and emergency ladders.
Lifebuoys must be positioned at maximum 50-metre intervals along quaysides, jetties, and open water work areas.
Throw bags contain a floating line that can be cast to a person in water from the bank or quayside without entering.
Rescue ladders provide a means for a person in water to climb out — they must be positioned at regular intervals.
All rescue equipment locations must be clearly marked with signs visible from the working area and approach routes.
Equipment must be inspected weekly to confirm it is present, undamaged, and ready for immediate use.
Rescue equipment must not be moved, borrowed, or obstructed by construction materials or stored equipment.
Workers must be trained in the use of rescue equipment during the site induction — knowing its location is not enough.
Replacement equipment must be available on site to restock any item used during a rescue or found damaged.

Seconds count	A person in cold water loses the ability to swim within minutes — rescue equipment within reach makes the difference.
Throw, do not jump	Throwing a lifebuoy or line from the bank rescues without putting the rescuer in the water — jumping in creates two casualties.
Missing equipment	A lifebuoy stolen, hidden by materials, or not replaced after use means no rescue when the next person falls in.

Don't

Position lifebuoys at maximum 50-metre intervals along all waterside work areas.
Mark all rescue equipment locations with clear, visible signs from the working area.
Inspect rescue equipment weekly for presence, condition, and readiness for use.
Train all waterside workers in rescue equipment use during the site induction.
Keep rescue equipment unobstructed and immediately accessible at all times.
Stock replacement equipment on site to restock after any use or damage.
Position throw bags and reaching poles alongside lifebuoys at rescue stations.
Install rescue ladders at regular intervals along quaysides and steep banks.
Brief the team on the nearest rescue equipment location at the start of every shift.
Practice rescue drills so the team can deploy equipment under the stress of emergency.

DON'T space rescue equipment further than 50 metres apart along waterside work areas.
DON'T leave rescue stations without clear signs visible from the working area.
DON'T skip weekly inspections — missing or damaged equipment costs lives.
DON'T assume workers know how to use rescue equipment — train them at induction.
DON'T block rescue equipment with stored materials, plant, or construction debris.
DON'T use rescue equipment for other purposes — it must be available for emergencies.
DON'T rely on lifebuoys alone — provide throw bags, lines, and reaching poles too.
DON'T omit rescue ladders where steep banks prevent a person climbing out of water.
DON'T start waterside work without confirming the nearest rescue equipment location.
DON'T leave rescue drills unpractised — a rehearsed response is faster and saves lives.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Working Over Water

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