Why Water Safety Matters for Council Workers

Working near water presents unique risks. For council workers operating in or around seas, lakes, and rivers, ensuring safety is not optional — it’s critical. Land & Wave offers Rescue 3 courses tailored to equip council employees and teams with the skills they need to stay safe while carrying out essential local authority work.

The Legal and Moral Responsibility

Meeting Regulatory Standards

UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, mandates that employers provide adequate training for employees exposed to water hazards. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties and tragic outcomes. Investing in professional water safety training is a proactive way to ensure council workers are protected.

The Importance of Risk Assessment

Effective risk assessment is the foundation of workplace safety. Councils must identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and implement measures to mitigate them. Proper training empowers workers to recognize dangers before they escalate.

7 Essential Water Safety Tips for Council Workers

1. Understanding the Environment

Water conditions can change rapidly due to weather and tides. Council workers should be trained to:

• Interpret weather forecasts and water conditions.
• Recognize unstable banks and hidden underwater hazards.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE can be the difference between life and death. Essential PPE for water safety includes:

• Life jackets or buoyancy aids.
• Wetsuits or drysuits for cold water environments.
• Helmets for work near fast-moving water.

3. Effective Communication

Clear communication is vital in emergencies. Training covers:

• Radio protocol and hand signals.
• Emergency action plans.

4. Rescue Techniques

Every second counts in a water emergency. Rescue 3 courses teach council workers:

• Safe self-rescue techniques.
• How to assist others without putting themselves at risk.
• The use of throw bags and other rescue equipment.

5. Hypothermia Awareness

Cold water shock can incapacitate within minutes. Training includes:

• Recognizing early signs of hypothermia.
• Rewarming techniques to prevent further heat loss.

6. Working in Fast-Moving Water

Rivers and tidal waters pose specific challenges. Council workers must know how to:

• Gauge water speed and depth.
• Use eddies and currents to their advantage.

7. Post-Incident Review

Learning from near misses and incidents is key to continuous improvement. Post-incident reviews help refine safety procedures and prevent future accidents.

The Value of Professional Water Safety Training

Why Choose Land & Wave Ltd?

Land & Wave Ltd is a trusted provider of Rescue 3 courses, designed specifically for professionals working near water. Our courses offer:

• Practical, hands-on training.
• Real-world scenarios tailored to council work.
• Certification recognised nationwide.
• Easy access to London

Specific Rescue 3 Accredited Courses We Offer

We provide a range of specialized courses to suit the needs of council workers, including:

• Basic Water Rescuer: Ideal for those who may need to perform rescues in shallow water environments.
• Safe Working Near Water: Focused on hazard awareness and accident prevention for those working near water.
• Safe Working In Water: Provides essential skills for workers who need to enter the water as part of their job.
• Flood Operations: Designed for teams responding to flood emergencies, with emphasis on safety and rescue techniques.

Customisable Training Solutions

We understand that no two councils are the same. Our flexible training modules allow you to tailor the course to your team’s specific needs, ensuring relevant and effective training. Bespoke dates available for larger teams.

Conclusion: Prioritise Water Safety Today

Council workers perform essential duties that often bring them close to dangerous water environments. Equipping them with the right skills through professional training is a legal obligation and a moral imperative.

Contact Land & Wave Ltd today to learn how our Rescue 3 courses can help your workforce stay safe while working near water.