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2 100-BZM-01-IGDO ©2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA WSPS offers the following recommendations to reduce the risk these waterfront hazards pose and promote a safer work environment. This document is intended to be used as a guide to complete a customized risk assessment for your workplace including suggestions for controls. Recommendations and Solutions 1. Drowning – Non-Aquatics Staff Hazards Prevention Tips All staff working in waterfront environments may have contact with water, not just aquatics staff. Simply having access to water on site presents the risk of drowning. Main contributing factors to drowning for non-aquatic staff include: • Not being able to swim • Working near water • Working alone near water • Accessing waterfront facilities after hours and during time off • Working in water with poor swimmers and non- swimmers • Slips, trips, and falls into water • Dangerous currents and undertows during waterfront activities • Exhaustion Swim Testing • Require all staff in all departments to complete a basic swim test or declare that they are non-swimmers. • Require all non-aquatics staff who work with patrons / campers in the water complete an advanced swim test and complete additional training on in-water safety supervision such as Wilderness Water Safety and/or hold aquatic certification(s). Policies and Procedures • Develop a written working around water policy and program that requires a risk assessment and develop and written precautionary measures. • The risk assessment should take into consideration the activity the worker is performing, the water temperature, the environmental conditions, the clothing and protective equipment the worker is wearing, the ability to rescue the worker from the water, the availability of rescue equipment and personnel, access to emergency services, etc. • Require all staff who have not passed a swim test to wear a PFD or lifejacket when accessing the water and working on or above water. • Require all staff who have passed a swim test who are leading aquatic activities to carry a buoyant aid. • Create a policy prescribing expectations for all staff using waterfront facilities during non-work hours. Require all staff who have not completed a basic swim test to wear a PFD, including during recreational swimming. Prohibit waterfront access when the waterfront is unattended by aquatics staff and at night. • Create written policies and procedures for drowning prevention incorporating these recommendations. Ensure all water and near-water tasks are considered. • Never allow maintenance or other staff to access the waterfront alone. Training • Train all staff on the basics of non-entry water rescue, including the use of buoyant aids, rescue hooks, and life rings. • Train all staff how to identify and avoid dangerous currents and undertows, local conditions and areas where currents or undertows are likely (if applicable), and how to respond should they be carried by a current or undertow.

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