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100-BZM-01-IGDO ©2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
(WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Working Near and On Water
Waterfront Safety Information Guide
What Does Waterfront Work Look Like?
Many facilities such as camps, resorts, yacht clubs, tourist attractions, and municipalities have
beaches and waterfronts. Waterfronts may be supervised or unsupervised and may include a variety
of facilities including boat docks, boats, swimming areas, and other water recreational facilities like
floating playgrounds.
Job tasks frequently include lifeguarding and water rescue, leading recreational activities, and
performing maintenance / landscaping.
One of the biggest challenges most waterfront operators and staff alike face is shifting their mentality -
often the focus is primarily on bather / patron / camper safety, forgetting the dangers faced by staff.
Staff and patron safety go hand-in-hand. Many of the controls to prevent staff injuries benefit patrons
and vice versa.
Who is At Risk?
• Aquatics Staff – Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Coaches
• Boating Staff – Boating Instructors, Boat Excursion Guides, Watersports Instructors
• Recreation Staff – Counsellors, Group Leaders, Leaders-In-Training
• Staff from any department using waterfront facilities during free time / time off
• Maintenance Staff
Common Waterfront Hazards
Waterfront operations pose significant risks of injury to staff. Common hazards that can be found on
waterfronts include:
Common Waterfront Hazards
1. Drowning – Non-Aquatics Staff 2. Drowning – Aquatics Staff
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls 4. Falls from Heights
5. Ergonomics / Musculoskeletal Disorders 6. Cold-Water Shock and Hypothermia
7. Inclement Weather 8. Critical Incident Stress
9. Heat Stress and Sun Exposure 10. Struck-by Motor Vehicles and Watercraft
