Posted By J. Robin Gatenby
Hi All

I am currently working with a Council and have been asked to look at the issue of ponds/small lakes (under 10 metres long and under 1 metre deep).

Does anyone have any model risk assessments and guidance on managing the risks associated with ponds/lakes etc in public areas that they can share? Particularly with regard to the provision of liferings/belts etc.

Thanks

Robin

Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Try here: http://www.bailii.org/cg...ery=congleton&method=all

Paul

Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Rospa offer good advice and have a download on their website for "Safety in inland waterways". Read it cover to cover.

http://www.rospa.org.uk/...dleisuresafety/index.htm

The above link takes you to the water safety section as they have a number of other items which you might find of interest.

Water is a dynamic environment and aide memoires are handy for a risk assessment but I would advise you to get a local community officer to help identify if the area is prone to vandalism/ drinking/ or other types of outdoor pursuit as this could influence your assessment greatly.

A very basic rule of thumb is deep water with a drop(like off a harbour's pier) use a life ring, shallower water across a distance(big pond or river) use a throw line. Like I say very very basic, read the RoSPA info. The RoSPA guide will help you determine how many devices are sufficient.

The big part is maintenance. We have an inspector checking and doing repairs on a weekly basis.

Hope that is of use

Jeff