Working Around Water

Please be aware, that working around or in water contains inherent dangers. Conditions can change quickly and members should ensure they are not caught off guard. When arriving at a site, members should complete an observational assessment of the area to identify any risks. It is important that risks are well understood and minimised before entering a site that is located close to a water body.

Dangers associated with working around water:

• Waves (e.g. rough surf conditions, rogue waves, strong undertows and surge etc.)
• Currents (e.g. river, beach currents)
• Slippery surfaces (e.g. algae by the side of body of water, pool tiles, rock pools etc.)
• Tidal movements
• Exposure to marine animals (e.g. jellyfish, bluebottles etc.)
• Oceanic rips
• Changing conditions
• Debris in the water

Practice the following safety measure when working around water:

• When working in close proximity to a water body, consider wearing a lifejacket in the case that you accidently enter the water (e.g., due to slip or trip etc.)
• Wear a life jacket (or Portable Flotation Device PFD) when undertaking volunteer activities such as wildlife rescue that require you to enter a water body
• Approach every water’s edge with caution and ensure conditions are not dangerous before proceeding
• Observe warning signage (e.g., slippery when wet, strong undertow, marine stingers etc.)
• Be vigilant throughout a rescue around or in a water body as conditions may change and exposure you to danger (e.g., rising tide)
• Regardless of shallow water depth, DO NOT enter the water in order to attempt to assist wildlife if you are not competent in the water
• If competent in the water, only assist with rescues where you can stand in the water (e.g. shallow water depth)
• Members must not engage in swimming (i.e. when they cannot stand due to water depth) in order to assist wildlife
• If a member enters the water (while following the above safety precautions), they should implement a buddy system.
  • Notify a buddy before and after the rescue in the case that you require assistance. This allows the buddy to check up on the member if they have not confirmed their safety.
  • WIRES advises and prefers a buddy to be present at the site before entering the water but understands this is not always possible.
  • Note: a ‘buddy’ may be a WIRES member or a personal connection such as a friend or family member.

If conditions aren’t not suitable or the risk is unacceptable, please call the WRO and Species Coordinator immediately so that external agencies or other means can be implemented to assist the wildlife in need of assistance as soon as possible.