tonbridge and malling borough council water safety policy · 2019-07-10 · a water safety webpage...

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

Water Safety Policy

Document control Summary

Document first created 2006

Reviewed 2015 No changes

Reviewed 2019 Updated and amended, added TMLT as operator, removed water safety awareness lessons for schools

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Contents Page Number

1.0 Introduction 2

2.0 Statement of Intent 2 3.0 Legal Responsibility 2

3.1 Statutory health requirements 3 3.2 Health and safety duties 3 3.3 Common law duty of care 3 3.4 Exclusion clauses 4

4.0 Provision of Off-site Information 4 5.0 On-site Safety Provision 4

5.1 Risk assessment (categorisation of sites) 4 5.2 Site signage 5

5.2.1 Warning sign specification 5 5.2.2 Additional signage – ice on open water 6

5.3 Rescue equipment 6 5.3.1 Vandalism and rescue equipment 6

5.4 Edge protection 6 5.4.1 Future design of water edges 7

6.0 Environmental Management 7 7.0 Staffing and contractors 7

7.1 Site supervision 7 7.2 First aid provision at open water sites 8

8.0 Use of open water for activities 8 9.0 Recording and Reporting of Accidents 8 10.0 Monitoring 8 Appendices 9

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1.0 Introduction

Within the Borough there are a number of Public Open Spaces within the ownership of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that include areas of open water. Due to the diverse shape and size of these areas of water, their use is varied. The Council recognises the need for open water for both environmental reasons and for recreation and leisure activities. Types of open water within the ownership of TMBC include:

Lakes/Former Quarries

Rivers

Ponds

Streams

Dewponds

Balancing Ponds

Drainage ditches (A full list of types of open water under the Council’s control can be found at Appendix 1)

Open water can present significant risks that may vary in response to environmental changes, for example, the desire to swim in cold water on a hot day or the attraction to walk on ice in the winter.

The Council in its risk assessment of open water will take all ‘reasonable steps’ to protect people from danger. This water safety policy has been designed and developed with advice and guidance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ‘Safety in Inland Water Sites- Operational Guidelines’ (RoSPA document) and ‘The Visitor Guide to the Countryside’ (www.vscg.co.uk).

TMBC Leisure Services will designate a Leisure Officer to implement any actions within the water safety policy in liaison with the Council’s Health and Safety Officer.

2.0 Statement of Intent

The Council will provide appropriate arrangements for the management of areas of open water under its control. These measures should ensure that, ‘so far as reasonably practicable’, all open water facilities and other water based facilities for which the Council is responsible, are maintained in a safe condition for the benefit of the users and the safety of staff.

3.0 Legal Responsibility

Various parts of legislation place statutory duties on owners of inland water sites, or the person responsible for the site, to provide for the

http://www.vscg.co.uk/

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safety and the well being of visitors, which includes employees and members of the public. Both statute and common law have a relevance to the operation of inland waters.

3.1 Statutory Health and Safety Requirements

The following legislation will need to be considered (further detailed information can be found at Appendix 2)

Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW) 1974

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

Public Health Act 1936

Occupiers Liability Act 1999

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 3.2 Other Occupational Health and Safety Duties

Operators to whom the 1974 Act applies also have various duties, including the recording, notification and investigation of accidents to the enforcing authority (e.g. HSE or local authority environmental health departments). The appropriate enforcing authority must be notified where a member of the public has drowned or has been taken to hospital for medical treatment, ie following a near drowning incident.

3.3 Common Law Duty of Care

Although there is a lack of legislation in this area, responsible bodies do have powers to effect preventative measures and the site owner must ensure that all facilities and equipment are suitable and safe to use. Under common law, liability to negligence may arise from the breach of fundamental duty, known as a ‘duty of care’. The duty is described as follows, and applies to members of the public as well as operators - ‘To take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to cause injury to your neighbour’.

This can be defined as ‘what the reasonable man/woman would have foreseen as being necessary’. A certain level of risk is acceptable and it is expected that safety measures will be applied ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’. In other words, practicable measures have to be technically feasible, and costs in time, money and effort are reasonable.

In the case of safe management of inland water sites, the duty of care means that the burden of taking adequate precautions falls on the site operator.

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3.4 Exclusion Clauses

Civil liability can to some extent be passed on to a tenant or club; but liability for negligence resulting in death or personal injury cannot be avoided by exclusion clauses (Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977).

4.0 Provision of Off-Site Information

This section highlights the Council’s commitment to providing safety information to staff and the public.

TMBC understand that providing literature/information on water safety to both the public and staff can help in the prevention of accidents and drowning. The development of this information will be ongoing, in order to fully engage the safety message to people. The purpose of such information is to heighten people’s perceived risk of open water and its surroundings to match that of the real risk. This is particularly important when considering children around open water as often their perceived risk of a hazard is very low.

TMBC will provide information to the public as follows:

A water safety webpage – This webpage provides water safety information, drowning statistics and other key safety information

Literature distribution – water safety leaflets present on key sites as appropriate

This is to be complimented, where appropriate, by presentations within schools (primary and secondary).

5.0 On-Site Safety Provision

The following section identifies how each open water site is risk assessed and identifies key issues for consideration.

5.1 Risk Assessment (categorisation of sites)

Unsupervised open water can present a high level of risk due to the nature and use of adjacent walkways and hinterland. In order to assess the level of risk at each site, the Council will categorise sites to identify the highest and lowest risk areas so the appropriate action can be implemented. Sites have been categorised using the Risk Level Classification shown at Appendix 3 and effectively gives each site a Risk Level from ‘D’ (lowest) to ‘A’ (highest). This categorisation will then dictate the appropriate safety measures that will need to be implemented, for example all category ‘A’ sites will require a separate site-specific water safety strategy.

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5.2 Site Signage

Where necessary, three forms of site signage will be used to improve and ensure greater awareness of the potential dangers of water on the Council’s public open spaces. These are: Multi-signs – Signage outlining key dangers and key safety information, for example:

Location

Map of the site with lifesaving points and help points identified (where such equipment is installed)

Do not enter the water

No swimming

Action to be taken in an emergency

Location of nearest telephone

Space should also be provided for the positioning of temporary notices (e.g. Danger – ice take care!)

Multi signs should be provided at each key site (category ‘A’ sites) with positioning of these being determined through the site specific safety strategies. It is important that this signage relates exclusively to safety and that it is kept simple and does not include any other information.

Safety Points – Life buoy covers repeating key information from Multi-signs (details of emergency telephone numbers, for example).

Safety points will be provided at key sites (category ‘A’ sites) where identified in the site specific strategies. Where safety points are prone to vandalism and their integrity cannot be guaranteed, an alternative strategy will be investigated (increasing the physical level of edge protection for example)

Nag Signs – These are smaller signs displayed in key locations, again repeating key information from the multi-signs eg Danger No Swimming, Deep Water.

Nag signs will be installed where necessary as outlined within the Site Specific Evaluation at Appendix 4.

5.2.1 Warning Sign Specification

Warning signs will be in accordance with the recommendations of the RoSPA water safety committee and the requirements of the Health and Safety Signs and Signals Regulations [amended 2002]. All new signs erected will meet the BS 5499-11:2002 BSI standard. The Council will consider the demography of the Borough when providing signage and multi-lingual signage will be installed where appropriate.

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5.2.2 Additional Signage - Ice on Open Water

When ice develops on any of the Council’s principle sites of open water (category ‘A’ sites), the Council will ensure that temporary signs (Nag signs) highlighting the hazard to people are displayed where required.

The requirement to put up and take down these signs will be carried out by the site manager or the contractor in charge of monitoring, inspection, grounds maintenance and repair. It is the Council’s policy not to break ice when it forms, however consideration may be given to breaking ice in prolonged situations for environmental/wildlife reasons.

5.3 Rescue Equipment

Site rescue equipment, if required, will comprise of Life Rings and Throw Ropes. Life Rings are generally considered suitable for areas having steeper banks and deep water such as adjacent to locks, quay sides or rivers. Throw lines, however, are more suitable where the gradient is shallow and directional suitability is required.

The provision of rescue equipment at TMBC sites, if required, is identified at Appendix 4 within the Site Specific Evaluations, within Appendix 5 the Site Action Plans or within Site Specific Safety Strategies, following consultation and advice from RoSPA. Where equipment is required it will be essential to establish monitoring regimes. Where appropriate, safety signage and lifesaving equipment should be combined into a position known as a safety point (as mentioned above). Where many safety points are located on one site, each should be identified by a number, recorded on a site plan and monitored. The location of ‘safety points’ will be determined by the risk assessment process and will likely reflect probable points of access to the water and where there maybe a rescue attempt. A safety point should be in visibility from any point around the potential risk.

5.3.1 Vandalism and Rescue Equipment

Life buoys and containers (safety points) can often be targeted for vandalism, graffiti and theft. Where safety points are prone to vandalism and their integrity cannot be guaranteed, an alternative strategy will be investigated (increasing the physical level of edge protection for example).

5.4 Edge Protection

Edge protection is generally at least a 1 metre gap of dense and/or hostile vegetation (weed, scrub, nettle and brambles for example) from

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the water body (lake, stream, river etc) to a designated path used by the public. The provision of edge protection at TMBC sites, if required, is identified at Appendix 4 within the Site Specific Evaluation or within Site Specific Safety Strategies.

If it is necessary to carry out any work to edge protection vegetation, this will be carried out during the autumn, winter or spring with the following exceptions:

a) Maintenance to areas required for the safe operation of the on-

site sporting concessions, including angling, swimming and sailing.

b) Work required for the health and safety of the general public. 5.4.1 Future Design of Water Edges

In the development of any new sites containing water a number of factors need to be taken into consideration in their design. Design guidance can be found within the RoSPA publication ‘safety in inland water sites’ – operational guidelines.

6.0 Environmental Management

All pollution (oil/blue green algae for example) of water should be reported to the manager of the site. In such cases the Council will ensure that suitable warning signs are displayed around the affected area and that water based recreational activities are appropriately restricted until water conditions improve.

When a potential risk to human health, associated with aquatic wildlife is identified, the Council will execute appropriate monitoring and reporting regimes as are directed by DeFRA or the Environment Agency. Any remedial actions dictated by these authorities will be implemented under their direction.

7.0 Staffing and Contractors

All TMBC staff and contractors responsible for open water sites are required to implement the Council’s Health and Safety Policy and to undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments in relation to activities carried out adjacent to water.

7.1 Site Supervision

On areas of open water full time supervision is deemed to be neither reasonable nor practicable and is not the most effective reaction to a water hazard. Where staff are present on site, they may take a proactive approach in educating the public and highlighting the common dangers around open water (distribution of water safety leaflets for example).

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7.2 First Aid Provision at Open Water Sites

First aid equipment will be provided where there are permanent staff on site. All contractors with a formal agreement to use water bodies at Council sites must provide sufficient first aid equipment for staff.

8.0 Use of Open Water for Activities

Where a group or organisation wishes to use an area of water for an approved activity, an application must be made to the Council’s Leisure Services. This does not apply to normal arrangements of a club or group using the water by lease, license or any other formal agreement. Applications must be made at least four weeks in advance of the proposed event activity. When large events are being proposed more advance notice would be preferable.

The event organiser will be responsible for organising the event in line with the sites normal operating procedures. Risk assessments will be required for each event and will be checked by the site manager in liaison with the Council’s Health and Safety Officer. Copies of all the documents will be made available to all staff involved in managing or working at the site.

9.0 Recording and Reporting of Accidents

Where a member of the public or staff are involved in a water based accident or sustains an injury, the incident should be recorded in accordance with Council procedures. Members of the public will be encouraged to report any incidents to the Council.

10.0 Monitoring

It will be the responsibility of the site manager(s) to implement and monitor all actions within the site specific water safety strategies and this responsibility will lie with the Water Safety Officer at all other identified locations.

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Appendix 1

List of TMBC Owned Outdoor Leisure Water Sites

Principal sites with heavy public use and large amounts of water:

Leybourne Lakes Country Park

Haysden Country Park

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground

Tonbridge Castle Principle sites with heavy public use and small amounts of water:

Tonbridge Farm Sportsground (Long Mead Way)

Poult Wood Golf Course (land owned by TMBC now passed into the management of TMLT)

Other sites include:

Lillieburn, Leybourne

Woods Meadow, Leybourne

River Walk, Tonbridge

Cannon Lane, Tonbridge

Swanmead Sportsground, Tonbridge

Plot 51, Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge

Area by entrance of Angel Centre, Tonbridge

Priory Wood, Tonbridge

Medway Wharf on Medway Wharf Road

Area of land adjacent to car parks, Aylesford

Plot 74 Ashbee Close, Snodland

Birling Road Pond, Snodland

Basted Mill Pond (managed by an external community group including water safety)

Woodland Walk (including Scotchers Field and Frog Bridge Sportsground)

Trafalgar Road, Wouldham

Bickmore Way Pond (managed by external group including water safety)

Mill Hall, Aylesford

Brungers Pond

Tonbridge Town Lock

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Appendix 2

Statutory Health and Safety Requirements Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAW) 1974: Section three of the 1974 Act specifically requires every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that he/she takes the necessary steps to ensure the safety of non-employees affected by his/her activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (previously 1992): These were made under the HASAW 1974 Act. They require that health and safety is suitably managed so as to control risks effectively and present no harm to people. The regulations require that an adequate and suitable assessments of work related hazards should be carried out to determine the preventative and protective steps that must be taken. TMBC understands that the regulations also require employers to have access to competent advice, to monitor and review their systems, to have emergency procedures and to provide information and training. These issues are covered within this policy The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: The regulations set out the range of numbers and training of first-aiders, and the type of equipment that should be provided. Public Health Act 1936: This is an enabling law offering local authorities the power to regulate water users (for example, to prohibit swimming). Occupiers Liability Act 1999: This states that the occupier must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of visitors to his/her land or premises. This duty is particularly onerous where children are concerned. The occupier owes the duty of care not only to visitors but also to trespassers as well. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996: This implements European Directive 92/58/EEC, which came into force in April 1996. This standardises safety signs throughout member states of the European Union. The regulations require employers to use safety signs where there is a significant risk to health and safety of their employees that has not

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been avoided or controlled by the methods required under other relevant law, provided use of a sign can help reduce the risk. A new BSI standard has been developed specific to water safety signs. The standard BS 5499-11: 2002 was published on 20/07/2002 and RoSPA recommends that ‘Any new signage should conform to this standard in the future and that a regular review of existing signage is carried out. Those signs that are in need of repair or have poor legibility/clarity of image should be replaced straight away and all others should be subject to programmed replacement. The period of time for such replacement should be ‘reasonable’ in terms of overall cost against the safety gain or imperative. Overall it should not be unreasonable to expect that all signs should also comply with this new standard within a five year period’ All new signage will be to this standard and when replacing old signs this standard will be taken into consideration. This issue will be placed in the overall action plan.

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Appendix 3

Risk Level Classification Risk Level D

Water less than 0.5m in depth providing an ornamental function.

Solid well defined edge. Minimal height above surface. The edge may be stepped allowing a gradual approach to the water.

Water body is not the attraction to the site, nor is it in a central location. Action

The treatment is distinctive in that there is no fencing.

A 1 metre edge protection may be provided Risk Level C

The water will exceed approx 0.5m in depth.

The edge is well defined, solid and not more than approx 2m above the surface.

Water body is not the attraction to the site, nor is it in a central location.

The use of the site may attract, in particular young people. Action

A 1 metre edge protection will be provided

Nag signs (signage repeating key safety information danger – no swimming for example) may be provided

Risk Level B

Deep water

Solid, well defined edge

Other contributory factors may include the heavy presence of people, walking or seating

Water may be reason for visiting Action

A 1 metre edge protection will be provided

Nag signs may be provided

Additional signage and Life buoys may be present Risk Level A

Deep water

Water main attraction to site.

Water used for water sports

Heavy presence of people

Action

A RoSPA water safety review to be carried out followed by a Council produced water safety strategy.

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Appendix 4

List of Sites, Information and Action

1. Site/Location - Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Malling Road, Larkfield, Kent. ME20 6AA. , Type of Water – Lakes, drainage ditches, wetland/marshland and stream. Risk – Level A. General Info – See site specific water strategy Action – Developed a site specific water strategy

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2. Site/Location - Haysden Country Park, Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, Kent. TN11 9BE Type of Water – Lakes, river, streams and flood defence barrier. Risk – Level A General Info – See site specific water strategy Action – Developed a site specific water strategy

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3. Site/Location – Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground and Tonbridge Castle Type of Water – River, stream and moat Risk – Level A General Info – See site specific water strategy

Action – Developed a site specific water strategy

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4. Site/Location – Tonbridge Farm Sportsground (including Long Mead Way) Type of Water – Pond and stream Risk – Level D General Info – The pond has significant protection around the edge from a hedge one side (blocking easy access from the path and several trees on the other. During the summer months the pond is often dry or very low and is distinctly separated from the land by the clear cutting routine which highlights the long reeds within the pond. The stream runs along one of the edges of the site and is not noticeable unless actively looking for it. There is a significant gap (approx 2-3 metres) of grass from any path to the edge of the natural vegetation by the small bank of the stream. The natural vegetation (which includes at some points trees and hedges) is left to grow, providing an edge protection from the stream. This site does suffer from vandalism and this should be taken into account when providing any signage or equipment. Action – Maintain natural edge protection from stream install ‘nag’ signs where appropriate.

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5. Site/Location – Poult Wood Golf Centre Type of Water – Ponds and drainage ditches Risk – Level C General Info – The site consists of approx 25 water bodies of similar design and size. Site operated by Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust (TMLT). Action – Water safety managed by TMLT .

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6. Site/Location – Lilieburn, Leybourne Type of Water – Stream Risk – Level D General Info – This stream (200 metres long) runs through a small open space 50 -100 metres away from houses. The site is prone to flooding and would make the stream a maximum of 1.2 metres in depth. This is not common and the stream is generally below 0.5 metres in depth. The open space is fenced off and the path that runs through it is away from the stream (10 metres).some of the stream already has a sufficient edge protection however at some points it is accessible. The stream has mixed banks (both steep and shallow) and there is evidence of overhanging branches being used as swings. There is a culvert near to a school however there is fencing leading people to the path and not to the stream. The site isn’t heavily used by the public. Action - Maintain 1 metre edge protection along the stream and incorporate tree branch cutting in existing tree works list.

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7. Site/Location – Woods Meadow, Leybourne Type of Water – Stream Risk – Level D General Info – This stream runs along the edge of the TMBC owned site. There are paths leading to the stream but not one that follows it. The water is flowing but the depth is minimal (less than 0.5m). Due to the nature of the site, the natural vegetation by the stream is quite sizable and does not make it easy to access. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection along the stream.

8. Site/Location – River Walk Tonbridge Type of Water – River Risk – Level B General Info – River walk is quite central to Tonbridge and the High Street and therefore attracts the general public. Because of this relatively high volume of people, care should be taken in this area. Generally the public are protected by a brick wall which is above knee height. In the ‘less popular’ parts of this walk and away from the path there are occasionally small areas which are not covered by a wall. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection where there is no wall. Nag signs may be placed on busy sections.

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9. Site/Location – Cannon Lane, Tonbridge Type of Water – River Risk – Level B General Info – This path alongside the river is not heavily used and is generally 2-3 metres from the rivers edge and has existing edge protection. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection.

10. Site/Location – Swanmead Sportsground, Tonbridge Type of Water – Drainage Pond Risk – Level C General Info – This drainage pond is in the far corner of the Sportsground and away from sports pitches. The sports ground is widely used by various sports clubs, mainly focussing their sports towards the other end of the Sportsground near to the building/pavilion. Nag sign provided. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection

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11. Site/Location – Plot 51, Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge Type of Water – River Risk – Level B General Info – The path is a long distance away from the rivers edge (approx 4 metres in some places) and there are large amounts of edge protection. A life ring is also situated along this path. Action – Maintain edge protection and life ring to be checked weekly.

12. Site/Location – Area by Entrance of Angel Centre, Tonbridge Type of Water – River Risk – Level C General Info – A knee rail is provided in key areas and edge protection exists in all other areas. The path is away from the rivers edge. Knee rail (2metres long) guiding the public round the corner of the bridge pictured. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection

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13. Site/Location – Priory Wood, Tonbridge Type of Water – Small nature pond Risk – Level D General Info – This pond is in a wood and is infrequently used. Generally the area is used by local residents and the path that leads to this pond is not the main path or highly used. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection.

14. Site/Location – Medway wharf, Medway Wharf Road Type of Water – River Risk – Level B General Info – This is a mooring area for boats, so naturally needs to be open. Because of this there are life rings and signage indicating that this area is for mooring boats and no swimming should take place. Action – Maintain signage and check the life rings weekly.

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15. Site/Location – Area of Land Adjacent to Car Parks, Aylesford Type of Water – River Medway Risk – Level C General Info – This piece of land (owned by TMBC property services) occasionally floods near the car park area. An EA sign on the land suggests potential ownership issue, but does provide useful safety information. To gain access to the river Medway one would have to walk off TMBC land. Other access to water is blocked by dense vegetation and trees. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection.

16. Site/Location – Plot 74, Ashbee Close, Snodland Type of Water – Drainage channel Risk – Level D. Level C if flooding is likely General Info – To get to this channel is not easy and would require walking through heavy vegetation. The channel is concrete and has been known to flood. The depth is a few centimetres but if flooding occurs it would be approx 2 metres deep. The public do not often use this open space and the grass is not often cut, making access undesirable to the open space. From the open space to the edge of the channel is at least 1 metre of edge protection. The culverts have metal rails on them and the channel is approx 8 metres away from the adjacent path. The land on the other side of the channel is owned by the housing association. Action - Maintain 1 metre edge protection around the channel.

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17. Site/Location – Birling Road Pond, Snodland (The Groves) Type of Water – Pond Risk – Level C General Info – This drainage pond is on a small piece of open space near to houses (30 metres). This area is not heavily used and is generally used as a ‘walk through’ rather than a place to visit. Site already has a one metre edge protection and approx 30% of the edge is protected by trees. There is a circular path around the pond which is 5 metres away from the waters edge. The banks are shallow. The water is approx 2 metres deep. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection around the pond

18. Site/Location – Basted Mill Pond Type of Water – Stream and pond Risk – low Level C General Info – This stream and pond is situated in a very quite village away from houses. The lake is protected by a road barrier and when the road barrier is not present there is thick vegetation protection. Bridges over the stream are well protected and both the stream and lake are under 0.5 metres deep. All culverts have rails over them and the site in general is not heavily used. A life buoy is in place with emergency contact details, and the whole site is run by a management committee which is overseen by Borough Green Parish Council. Action – Liaise with management committee to make sure site is maintained.

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19. Site/Location – Woodland Walk (including Scotchers Field and Frog Bridge) Tonbridge Type of Water – Stream Risk – Level C General Info – This is a path alongside a stream. All bridges have rails and edge protection exists through most of the path way. Generally the path is 1-2 metres away from the stream Action – Maintain edge protection

20. Site/Location – Trafalgar Road, Wouldham Type of Water – River Medway Risk – Level C General Info – This path (300 metres long) alongside the river Medway is fenced off (1.2 metre high metal rail fence) making access to the river difficult. Hazard signage provided on fence. Life rings are also provided in the event of an emergency. Action – Maintain metal railing

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21. Site/Location – Bickmore Way Pond, Tonbridge Type of Water – Balancing Pond Risk – Level D General Info – This balancing pond is completely fenced off Action – Maintain fence

22. Site/Location – Mill Hall, Aylesford Type of Water – River Medway Risk – Level C General Info – River Medway is fast flowing and quite deep. This riverside walk has the path 3 metres from the steep bank side. The path is generally used by dog walkers and is quite popular. The path is away from houses and there is sufficient edge protection alongside it. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection.

23. Site/Location – Brungers Pond, Tonbridge Type of Water – Two ponds Risk – Level C General Info – Two drainage ponds with the main path being away from the waters edge. Area generally used by local residents. Action – Maintain 1 metre edge protection around ponds and re-site existing two benches which are near the waters edge and ‘hidden’ from view of the public.

24. Site/Location – Tonbridge Town Lock Type of water – River Risk – Level B

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General Info – This is a mooring area for boats, so naturally needs to be open. Because of this there are life rings and signage indicating that this area is for mooring boats and no swimming should take place. Action – Maintain signage and check the life rings weekly.

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Appendix 5

Location Action Implementation

Date

Haysden Country Park

Specific water review commissioned by RoSPA and

a site specific water safety strategy has been developed

See specific strategy

Leybourne Lakes Country Park




Tonbridge Racecourse

Sportsground




Tonbridge Castle




Tonbridge Farm (including Long Mead

Way)

Maintain 1 metre edge protection alongside stream and pond. Nag sign where

necessary by pond.

Summer '07

Poult Wood Golf Centre

Managed by Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust (TMLT)

as of November 2013 Summer '07

Woods Meadow, Leybourne

Allow 1 metre edge protection along side stream. Bi- annual cut back to clear banks where

necessary

Summer '07 and ongoing

Lilieburn, Leybourne


necessary


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Birling Road Pond, Snodland


necessary


Plot 74 Ashbee Close, Snodland


necessary


Area of land adjacent to car parks, Aylesford


necessary


Mill Hall, Aylesford


necessary


Trafalgar Road, Wouldham

Maintain metal railings, with hazard signage and life buoys

checked monthly Ongoing

Basted Mill Pond

Because the viewing platform actively encourages the public to get near to the water, safety signage on the platform and information on the life buoy.

Spring '08

Swanmead Sportsground,

Tonbridge

Allow 1 metre edge protection along side stream. Bi- annual cut back to clear banks where necessary. Maintain 'nag sign'

'danger deep water'


Cannon Lane, Tonbridge


necessary


Priory Wood, Tonbridge


necessary


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River Walk, Tonbridge

Where there is no brick wall protection, allow 1 metre edge protection. Install nags signs

where necessary.


Plot 51, Lyons Cresent, Tonbridge


necessary. Life ring to be check weekly


Area by entrance of Angel Centre,

Tonbridge

Extend knee rail from bridge, maintain 1 metre edge

protection

Spring '08 and ongoing

Medway Wharf on Medway Wharf Road

Maintain signage, weekly checks on life buoy


Bickmore Way Pond Maintain fence Summer '07 and

ongoing

Brungers Ponds

Maintain 1 metre edge protection and reposition two

benches away from the waters edge and in view.

Spring '08 and ongoing

Woodland Walk (including Scotchers

Field and Frog Bridge Sportsground)

Maintain edge protection Summer '07 and

ongoing

Generic Create generic water safety leaflet

Summer ‘07

Generic Add above leaflet and all water strategies to website

Summer ‘07

Generic

Replace old signs once fallen into disrepair with new signs that conform to all standards required.

Ongoing

tonbridge and malling borough council water safety policy · 2019-07-10 · a water safety webpage...

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