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Independent water safety compliance and risk assurance

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Demonstrate compliance, reduce risk, protect lives.

Organisations responsible for inland waterways carry a clear legal duty of care to manage risk where water is accessible to the public, residents, staff and contractors. Our Inland Waterways Site Review provides independent, professional assurance that risks are identified, assessed and managed in line with recognised UK guidance and statutory obligations. We are trusted by housing associations, local authorities, developers, landowners and infrastructure operators across the UK. 

Your legal responsibilities 

If you own, manage or operate land containing canals, rivers, lakes, ponds, balancing ponds, wetlands or drainage features, you are required to: 

You are required to:

  • Protect lawful visitors under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 
  • Safeguard employees, contractors and members of the public under Health and Safety legislation 
  • Demonstrate proportionate risk control aligned with HSG195 – Managing Safety Near Water 
  • Show evidence of due diligence in the event of an incident, investigation or claim.

Failure to assess and manage water risks result in:

Serious injury or loss of life

 

Enforcement action

Legal claims and increased insurance premiums

Reputational damage and loss of public trust

The Inland Waterways Site Review

Our Inland Waterways Site Review is a structured, site‑specific inspection delivered by competent water safety professionals. 

  • Identification of physical and environmental hazards 
  • Assessment of access points, edges, banks and escape provision 
  • Review of signage, barriers and protective measures 
  • Consideration of user behaviour, vulnerability and site context 
  • Evaluation of emergency access and rescue arrangements 
  • Alignment with HSG195 and recognised best practice. 

“I would definitely recommend working with RoSPA. In fact, I would go so far as to say that working in water safety without engaging with RoSPA would be foolish indeed, such is their influence and importance to the sector.”

James Bridge

Water Safety Development Officer

Greater Manchester Water Safety Stategic Partnership (GMWSSP)

Each review is tailored to the operational use, risk profile and ownership structure of your site. 

What you receive: 

Formal compliance-ready report

Clear documentation suitable for audits, insurers, planners and regulators

Prioritised risk register

Immediate, short-term and long-term actions graded by risk

Practical, proportionate recommendations

Controls that balance safety, accessibility and placemaking

Independent evidence of due dilligence

Demonstrate assurance should an incident occur

Who is this service for?

The Inland Waterways Site Review is routinely commisioned by:

House association and estate managers

Managing resident safety across canals, rivers and SuDS features.   

Local authorities and parish councils

Responsible for public open space, parks and waterways.   

Developers and housebuilders

Supporting planning conditions, safer design and asset handover.   

Landowners and estates

Managing long‑term liability across complex landholdings. 

Waterway and infrastructure operators

Embedding structured water safety management.   

Managing agents and landscape contactors

Providing assurance to clients and stakeholders.   

When a review is essential

You should commission a site review if: 

  • Public access to water has increased 
  • Sites are undergoing regeneration or development 
  • There has been a near miss or incident 
  • Assets are being adopted, transferred or handed over 
  • Existing assessments are out of date 
  • Insurers, auditors or planners request evidence. 

Why organisations choose an independent review

Our clients include housing providers, councils, developers and national landowners who require confidence that water safety responsibilities are being met. 

  • Objective, defensible advice 
  • No reliance on generic or desktop assessments 
  • Consistent, repeatable methodology across estates 
  • Supports ESG, governance and social responsibility objectives 
  • Reduces reactive spending and unmanaged risk 

Take control of water safety risk 

An Inland Waterways Site Review is not just a safety exercise — it is a compliance safeguard and a critical governance tool. Ensure you can evidence that risks have been identified, assessed, managed and reviewed. 

Request a site review today: Speak to our team to arrange an Inland Waterways Site Review or discuss a programme across your portfolio. 

Multi-site and portfolio programmes are available.

Service options

  • Full-day Inland Waterways Site Review - Suitable for complex or high‑risk sites 
  • Half-day Inland Waterways Site Review - Ideal for smaller or lower‑risk locations 
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Submit your details to request a professional review of your inland waterways. Our experts will assess compliance, safety, and usability, providing clear guidance to support your project’s success.

Request a site review