WAT/General/TBT-WAT-008

Water Rescue Training Requirements

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Water Rescue Training Requirements

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-WAT-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Water rescue training prepares workers and supervisors to respond when someone falls into water on site.
  • Untrained rescuers frequently drown attempting to save others — more than half of drowning deaths involve rescuers.
  • The level of training required depends on the water hazard: still, flowing, deep, tidal, or fast-moving.
  • Basic water safety training covers throw-line use, reaching techniques, and raising the alarm.
  • Advanced rescue training includes entering water with PFDs, boat operations, and swift water techniques.
  • All workers near open water should be trained in basic rescue techniques as a minimum standard.
  • Rescue equipment must be maintained, accessible, and inspected regularly to ensure it works when needed.
  • A site-specific water rescue plan must identify who is trained, where equipment is, and how to call help.
  • Cold water shock is a major risk in the UK — even in summer, rivers and canals cause incapacitation.
  • CDM 2015 requires that emergency procedures, including water rescue, are planned before work begins.

Why?

Prevent rescuer drowningUntrained people who jump in to rescue others frequently become casualties themselves. Training saves both the victim and rescuer.
Speed of responseA person in cold water can lose consciousness within minutes. Trained responders with equipment nearby act faster.
Legal dutyCDM 2015 and HSE guidance require adequate emergency arrangements including rescue capability for work near water.
Do Don't
  • Train all workers near open water in basic throw-line rescue techniques.
  • Provide advanced water rescue training for designated rescue team members.
  • Prepare a site-specific water rescue plan before work near water begins.
  • Position rescue equipment including throw lines and lifebuoys at water edges.
  • Inspect rescue equipment weekly and after each use to confirm it works.
  • Practise water rescue drills so the team knows their roles under pressure.
  • Brief all workers on cold water shock and self-rescue techniques.
  • Ensure trained rescuers are on site whenever work near water takes place.
  • Display emergency contact numbers and rescue procedures at the water edge.
  • Record all water rescue training, drills, and equipment inspections.
  • DON'T jump into water to rescue someone unless you are trained to do so.
  • DON'T work near open water without rescue equipment positioned and accessible.
  • DON'T assume all workers can swim or self-rescue if they fall in.
  • DON'T skip water rescue training because the water looks shallow or calm.
  • DON'T let rescue equipment deteriorate through lack of inspection and maintenance.
  • DON'T begin work near water without a site-specific rescue plan in place.
  • DON'T ignore cold water shock risk, even in warm weather months.
  • DON'T deploy untrained people as designated water rescuers on site.
  • DON'T store rescue equipment in locked cabinets where it cannot be reached quickly.
  • DON'T forget to update the rescue plan when water levels or conditions change.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Use
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