Open Water Swimming – Risk Assessment (Woodland Lakes)
We have had a risk assessment carried out, which is detailed below. This page summarises the hazards, who may be affected, and the control measures in place to keep everyone safe at Woodland Lakes.
Identified Risks & Control Measures
Each card shows a single hazard with existing controls, any further actions, and the residual risk after controls have been applied.
Slips, trips and falls
Steps and lakeside
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Steps routinely cleared; edges clearly marked.
- Suitable footwear advised around the lake.
- Daily debris checks; external lighting in place.
- First aider on site; Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP) in place.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis)
Lake water
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Routine waterside checks for signs of rats.
- Good hygiene promoted: wash hands before eating; avoid ingesting water; clean cuts promptly; rinse off at home after swimming.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Drowning
Open water
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Safety brief for all swimmers; first aiders on site.
- No alcohol permitted; no swimming under the influence.
- Age restrictions; maximum numbers enforced; time in the lake controlled.
- Waiver confirms no health issues and competent swimming level.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Hypothermia
Cold conditions
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Safety brief includes cold-water clothing and post-swim aftercare.
- Advice on suitable equipment/clothing (e.g., wetsuits, hats).
- Keep sessions short in extreme temperatures; keep swimmers moving.
- EOP in place; emergency blanket in first aid kit at the swimming hut.
Further actions / notes
Monitor conditions; shorten or stop sessions as required.
Swallowing water
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Safety brief covers avoiding ingestion where possible.
- First-aid trained staff on site.
- Advise against swimming with cuts/grazes or when unwell.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Collision with other swimmers
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Safety brief on spacing/etiquette; advise regular sighting while swimming.
- Controlled access; external lighting around the lake.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Objects in water (debris)
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Routine visual checks by staff; debris removed promptly.
- Periodic net sweeps of the swim area.
Further actions / notes
Continue periodic sweeps; respond rapidly to reports.
Contact with wildlife
Who’s affected: Swimmers
Existing controls
- Safety brief advises leaving wildlife undisturbed.
- Routine visual checks by staff.
Further actions / notes
Monitor and adjust if required.
Risk Rating Key (tap to expand)
Likelihood scale: 1 = Extremely unlikely, 3 = Likely, 5 = Almost certain
Severity scale: 1 = Minor injury (no lost time), 3 = RIDDOR over 7 days, 5 = Death
Overall bands: Low (1–8), Medium (9–12), High (15–25)
Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP)
1) Purpose
Set out steps to follow in an emergency to protect life and safety.
2) Types of Emergency
- Medical emergency (cardiac arrest, injury, hypothermia): defibrillator on site; first aid box lakeside; emergency blanket available.
- Drowning / distress: tow lines available year-round; first aider on site; emergency contact number displayed.
- Environmental hazards (severe weather, contamination, wildlife): suspend swimming until safe.
3) Roles & Communication
- Lead contact: coordinates response.
- Emergency caller (999): use What3Words location travel.crucially.deflate.
- Emergency numbers displayed on site; operator carries a mobile at all times.
- Please remain calm and follow staff instructions.
4) Emergency Procedures
Swimmer in difficulty
- Raise the alarm (shout, whistle, phone).
- Attempt reach/throw-line rescue before entering the water (only if safe and trained).
- Provide first aid/CPR as required.
- Call 999 immediately.
Medical emergency (ashore)
- Assess: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (DRABC).
- Call 999 and follow dispatcher instructions.
- Provide first aid/CPR until paramedics arrive.
- Notify the owner/operator of the incident.
Severe weather / environmental hazard
- Signal all swimmers to exit immediately.
- Once safe, notify the owner/operator.
- Suspend activity until conditions are declared safe.