All in the open

RLSS UK IS WORKING WITH THE INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP THE FIRST SECTOR-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR INLAND OPEN WATER, TO SUPPORT OPERATORS AND ENABLE PEOPLE TO ENJOY THE ENVIRONMENTS SAFELY

in the All open

he growth of inland open water activities has transformed the leisure and recreation landscape across the UK and beyond. Open water swimming, in particular, has become one of the fastest-growing participation sports, fuelled by an increasing focus on health and wellbeing, a desire to reconnect with nature and a growing appetite for endurance and adventure-based experiences. Alongside swimming, a wide range of other water-based activities, including paddle sports, inflatable aqua parks and recreational water play continue to attract participants of all ages. As a result, millions of people now regularly visit inland open water venues that offer these activities commercially.

IMPROVING SAFETY

This growth has brought new challenges for operators responsible for managing these environments safely. In recent years, a number of tragic fatalities and serious incidents have occurred at inland open water venues, and in recent months, a number at open water sites. Unlike swimming pools, where operators can access established guidance such as the Health and Safety Executive’s Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179), there is limited sector-specific guidance for inland open water operators. This has created a clear need for practical, consistent advice that reflects the unique risks and operational considerations associated with inland open water environments.

Open water swimming is one of the fastest growing activities globally, driven by a surge in wellness culture and a desire for nature-connected endurance challenges

To address this gap, RLSS UK has brought together key stakeholders from across the inland open water leisure sector to develop comprehensive industry guidance. The working group comprises representatives from Paddle UK, the Aqua Park Association, Swim England, Surf Life Saving Great Britain, British Triathlon, venue operators, and recognised water safety experts. Through this collaborative approach, the guidance aims to reflect the breadth of activities taking place across the sector while incorporating a diverse range of expertise and operational experience.

The guidance seeks to support venues in managing risks effectively while providing safe, enjoyable, and accessible opportunities for people to experience the benefits of being in and around water. It will offer clear and practical advice on meeting relevant health and safety responsibilities, with a focus on protecting both employees and customers in inland open water settings.

BASED ON EVIDENCE

The development process has been thorough and evidence-led. The initial draft was prepared by a legal professional with significant expertise in open water safety, incident management, and investigations following serious incidents and fatalities. Over the past 18 months, the working group has undertaken a detailed review process, considering multiple drafts, recommendations and amendments to ensure the resulting guidance is robust, proportionate, practical, and applicable across a wide range of inland open water venues.

The guidance is now under industry consultation, giving operators and other stakeholders the opportunity to review the draft document and contribute feedback, comments, questions, and suggestions. Subject to consultation outcomes, the group is working towards publication and launch in 2026, giving operators time to familiarise themselves with the guidance ahead of the 2027 operating season.

RLSS UK and its partners look forward to continuing their engagement with the sector and will attend active-net Open Water in November, where representatives will be available to discuss the guidance, answer questions, and gather valuable feedback.