Originally reported by Water Magazine
The Hidden Dangers of Working Near Water
Every month, a worker in the UK is either drowned or involved in a near-drowning incident while on the job, according to the Water Incident Research Hub (2015–2022). This alarming statistic highlights a critical yet often overlooked workplace hazard: water safety.
Employers have a legal and moral duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes providing a safe working environment—especially when the job site is near or around water bodies such as rivers, lakes, coastal areas, or flood zones.
Yet, despite the clear risks, many businesses remain unprepared.
Industry Concerns: Are Employers Doing Enough?
Water safety professionals like Paul Magee, principal and chief instructor at PGM Training, emphasize that too many companies—particularly in the private sector—fail to meet their obligations. “They are good at manual handling or height safety,” says Magee, “but water safety isn’t even on their radar.”
Chris Eades, owner of Bristol Maritime Academy, reinforces this point: “There is more need than ever before for comprehensive training due to climate change, increased flooding, and the growing number of roles requiring work in or near water.”
Eades adds, “If you’re questioning the need to train your team to be safe by water, the chances are you should already be doing it.”
Why American Lifeguard USA Prioritizes Water Safety
At American Lifeguard USA, we echo these concerns. Our mission aligns with leaders like RLSS UK in advocating for proactive water safety education and preparedness. Our programs are designed not just for lifeguards but also for utility workers, construction teams, and first responders—anyone exposed to water hazards.
We believe that water safety training should be as fundamental as CPR and first aid in any risk-related workplace.
Must Read: Malcolm Jamal Warner’s Tragic Drowning
Water Safety Training Options
Proper training empowers teams to act quickly and confidently in emergencies. Several training pathways are available based on your operational needs:
● National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – 1–3 Day Course
Offered by RLSS UK, this course includes:
Module 1: Water Safety Awareness
Module 2: Inland Waterways
Module 3: Coastal Waterways
These stackable modules allow companies to tailor training to specific work environments.
● NWSMP DEFRA-Aligned Training – 1–3 Day Course
Aligned with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), this version is ideal for teams working in flood-prone or high-risk water areas. The modules include:
Module 1: Water & Flood Awareness
Module 1 with Annex H: Water & Flood Non-Rescue Operations
Module 2: Water & Flood First Responder
These DEFRA-compliant modules are critical for rescue readiness and flood safety protocols.
The Legacy of Water Safety Leadership
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has led water safety innovation since 1891. Their dedication to training and public education has helped prevent countless water-related tragedies.
In the U.S., American Lifeguard USA continues this mission by offering accessible, accredited, and expert-led water safety training nationwide.
Additional Considerations for Employers
Here are some actionable water safety enhancements companies should consider:
Conduct site-specific water risk assessments.
Include seasonal flooding risks in your emergency preparedness plans.
Ensure all staff have access to and training in PPE (e.g., life jackets, throw ropes).
Implement refresher training every 1–2 years to maintain competency.
Partner with certified safety instructors like those from American Lifeguard USA to tailor training to local risks.
Free Resources and Next Steps
To learn more about how you can protect your team near water:
Download a free “Water Safety at Work” guidance poster.
Book a certified training course with American Lifeguard USA or RLSS UK.
Or contact: American Lifeguard USA
About the Author
Avani James is a certified water safety advocate and training coordinator with American Lifeguard USA, specializing in water rescue readiness and workplace safety awareness. With a passion for reducing drowning incidents and improving emergency preparedness, Tamoor has worked with clients across construction, utilities, and public safety sectors to promote safer practices in high-risk environments.
