Open Water Swimming Risk Assessment
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for open water swimming in scouting & guiding settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
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What this covers
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for open water swimming in scouting & guiding settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Develops essential safety and survival skills, including cold-water awareness and self-rescue techniques.
- Improves physical fitness, strength, and stamina through swimming in varied open water conditions.
- Builds confidence in natural water environments, helping participants manage waves, currents, and depth safely.
- Offers inclusive opportunities for adventure, teamwork, and outdoor exploration in aquatic settings.
- Teaches risk assessment, planning, and safety strategies for swimming beyond controlled pool environments.
Typical hazards & measures
- Wind drift and offshore conditions — Monitor wind direction and speed. Choose sheltered bays in strong onshore winds and avoid offshore conditions for novices. Position rescue craft strategically and use floating markers.
- Cold water shock and hypothermia — Require wetsuits or drysuits in cold water. Teach breath control and slow immersion entry. Monitor swimmers closely, rotate groups, and limit session times. Provide heated shelters, thermal blankets, and staff trained in hypothermia treatment.
- Underwater play or prolonged breath-holding — Ban competitive breath-holding and educate on shallow-water blackout. Assign spotters to dive/play areas and maintain visual contact. Use whistle signals.
- Remote location and delayed rescue — Share session plans with coastguard or local rescue services. Provide staff with VHF radios, GPS, and first aid kits. Map emergency extraction points for vehicles or boats. Train staff in advanced rescue scenarios.
- Entry/exit hazards (slips, sharp surfaces, rocks) — Inspect all access points prior to sessions and remove debris. Mark shallow rocks and lay safety mats or ropes. Encourage swim boots for foot protection. Assign helpers to support swimmers at entry/exit points.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Open Water Swimming to begin immediately.
- Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
- Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
FAQ
Do I need an account to start?
You can begin filling out your risk assessment straight away. Create a free account if you want to save your work.
Can I download a PDF?
Yes - download a clean, professional PDF at the end.
Can I edit a saved assessment?
Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.
