Water Rescue Services
Professional Water Rescue Services
Severn Access is proud to be a leading UK provider of expert water rescue. These services are essential for businesses that work in, on, or around bodies of water. We execute all rescue operations in full accordance with UK health and safety laws, including The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA).
This law places a legal obligation on employers to ensure the safety of their employees. With our services, you can help safeguard your employees from danger whilst staying compliant with UK law.
What is Water Rescue?
Working near water carries unique hazards: strong currents, sudden drops, cold temperatures, submerged debris, and limited visibility.
HSE guidance requires organisations to: conduct thorough risk assessments for water-based hazards; implement Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) including emergency response plans; equip personnel with appropriate safety gear; and provide trained rescue teams for fast and effective intervention.
Failing to plan for these risks can endanger lives and leave organisations legally exposed.
Who Needs Specialist Water Rescue Services?
Water rescue isn’t just for maritime crews. Our services are vital for any organisation or event where there’s a risk of personnel entering or falling into water:
- Industrial & Civil Projects: Bridge works, dock construction, or maintenance over water.
- Energy & Offshore Sites: Wind farms, oil rigs, and floating energy infrastructure.
- Research & Environmental Teams: Scientists and surveyors working on rivers, lakes, and coasts.
- Sporting & Recreational Events: Open water swimming, rowing, triathlons, kayaking, and sailing.
- Film & Media Productions: Shooting on or near water bodies with high-risk setups.
We bring rapid response capability to every scenario. This ensures emergencies are resolved safely and efficiently.
Legal Requirements & Safety Obligations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires organisations to provide a safe working environment for anyone operating in or near water. Compliance is essential to prevent accidents or legal consequences.
Key obligations include:
- Training: Ensure all personnel know how to identify hazards, respond to emergencies, and use safety equipment correctly.
- Safe Systems of Work (SSoW): Implement clear procedures covering tasks near water and emergency response protocols.
- Safety Equipment: Provide and maintain PPE, flotation devices, throw lines, and rescue kits, keeping them ready for immediate use.
- Risk Assessments: Identify hazards such as strong currents, submerged obstacles, contaminated water, and extreme weather, and implement mitigation measures.
- Emergency Planning: Have a practical plan for rescuing anyone who falls into water, including roles, response times, and coordination with rescue professionals.
Severn Access water rescue teams help you meet these obligations and ensure your personnel are protected in every water-related scenario.
Rapid Deployment Nationwide
Based in the West Midlands, Severn Access are ideally located to offer nationwide coverage for our water rescue services. We pride ourselves on our rapid deployment time across the length and breadth of the UK, making us the local team you can depend on for safety compliance and safety boats.
Fully Accredited & Compliant
As a team of IRATA-certified technicians with ISO 9001 and CHAS-certification, all of our operations are carried out in full accordance with HSE Regulations. This ensures legal compliance at every turn, providing ultimate peace of mind knowing that your project is in safe hands.
Professional Rescue Teams
As a Rescue3 Accredited contractor, Severn Access ensures that every member of our water rescue teams is trained and certified to the highest industry standards. This internationally recognised accreditation means you can rely on us for precise, safe, and legally compliant rescue operations in the most hazardous environments.
Our Water Rescue Services
Deployable at short notice and offering coverage across the UK, Severn Access' water rescue services provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for organisations seeking to maintain regulatory compliance while safeguarding their personnel.
You can have confidence that every precaution will be taken to reduce risks and protect the lives of your staff. Our services incorporate all of the following:
- Safe Systems of Work (SSoW): We assist organisations in designing and implementing SSoWs, helping them meet their legal duty to maintain a safe working environment over or near open water.
- Risk Assessments: We support thorough risk assessments by identifying hazards and recommending appropriate measures to prevent or mitigate potential dangers.
- Work at Height and Confined Space Consultancy: Drawing on years of experience in high-risk environments and detailed knowledge of HSE regulations, we advise organisations on best practices to keep teams safe and compliant.
- Water Rescue Services: Our highly trained emergency water rescue teams can be on-site during operations, ready to respond quickly and effectively to safely rescue anyone in danger.
Why Choose Severn Access & Rescue Services?
Besides our advanced training and professional equipment, you can be confident that Severn Access are the specialists you need for your project for all of the following reasons:
- Rapid, Nationwide Deployment: Based near Worcester in the West Midlands, our teams can be on-site anywhere in the UK at short notice, delivering expert water rescue support for projects of all sizes.
- Cost-effective Risk Reduction: By proactively managing hazards, our water rescue services help prevent accidents and can save your organisation significant costs in potential penalties and liability claims.
- Comprehensive Safety Solutions: From risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) to on-site standby rescue teams, we offer complete planning, consultancy, and emergency response support.
- Highly Skilled Rescue Professionals: Our operatives are certified in swift-water rescue, rope access, confined space operations, and First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3 & 4), providing advanced on-site medical support when it matters most.
- Experts in Challenging Environments: Turbulent coastal waters, offshore platforms, inland rivers and reservoirs, our team has the experience to operate safely in any high-risk water environment.
Rescue3 Accredited Contractors
Severn Access is proud to hold Rescue3 accreditation, demonstrating our specialist expertise in professional water rescue services. This internationally recognised certification highlights our commitment to the highest standards of safety, training, and operational excellence in all water-based environments.
Our Rescue3 accreditation ensures that every water rescue team member is highly trained and fully equipped to respond to a variety of emergency scenarios, including swift water rescues, flood response, and man-overboard recovery. Whether operating in coastal zones, inland waterways, or construction-related water settings, we respond with speed, precision, and professionalism, protecting lives while ensuring full compliance with UK safety regulations.
Safety Boat & Water Rescue Services UK
Contact Severn Access Today
At Severn Access, we do more than respond to water emergencies. We provide a complete water safety and rescue solution from start to finish.
From implementing Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) and conducting risk assessments, to providing expert guidance on emergency planning, our crew works alongside your organisation at every stage to ensure your personnel are protected and your operations remain fully compliant.
With our team in place, the risks associated with work over or near water are managed safely, giving you expert support whenever it’s needed.
From thorough planning and compliance advice to rapid-response rescue, we deliver the peace of mind that your workforce is protected and your business meets all legal obligations.
With fast nationwide deployment and a proven track record in high-risk environments, Severn Access and Rescue Services are your trusted partner for effective water rescue and safety management.
Trusted across industries throughout the UK, Severn Access provides proven, accredited water rescue solutions. Contact us today to see how we can support your next project.
Email Us: info@severnaccess.co.uk
Call Us Now: 07968 967214
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