Background
The provision of Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) has been a key topic area for the last several years in the United Kingdom (UK). Landowners, local authorities and public space operators can find themselves under pressure to install PRE in many locations adjacent to inland waters such as rivers and canals. When done without a thorough understanding and an appropriate risk assessment, this can lead to unsuitable equipment being installed which can subsequently have a detrimental impact on rescue attempts.
PRE must be appropriate for the features and conditions of the waterbody and should follow a thorough risk assessment.
The PRE decision tree is to assist in the management of water safety as well as to help those considering installing PRE to think through the process an decision.
You can access the guidance document below: