A Simple Guide for Beach & Marina Staff
In any waterfront facility, whether a hotel beach, marina, jetty, or floating walkway rings are the first and most immediate line of rescue in a water emergency. They are simple, highly effective, and often the only equipment available in the crucial first seconds of an incident.
Yet, many accidents become tragic not because equipment was missing, but because people nearby did not know how to use it properly.
Life rings are only effective when staff are trained, confident, and ready to act.
What Is a Life Ring?
A life ring (also known as a lifebuoy) is a floating rescue device designed to be thrown to a person in the water. It provides buoyancy, keeps the victim afloat, and gives rescuers time to respond safely.
They are commonly installed at:
- Beaches
- Swimming zones
- Jetties & marinas
- Floating pontoons & walkways
- Pool decks near open water
Every life ring should be:
- Clearly visible
- Easily accessible
- Fitted with a throwing rope
- Free from damage or obstruction
When Should a Life Ring Be Used?
A life ring should be used immediately when:
- A person is struggling in water
- Someone slips from a jetty or pontoon
- A swimmer is fatigued or panicking
- A person falls into the water unexpectedly
- A vessel passenger enters water unintentionally
The goal is simple:
Get flotation to the person as fast as possible—without putting yourself at risk.
Correct Way to Use a Life Ring
- Stay Calm & Shout for Help
Alert nearby staff and call emergency services if required. - Hold the End of the Rope
Never throw the entire rope into the water. Keep one end in your hand. - Aim Beyond the Person
Throw the life ring past the victim so it lands in front of them.
This allows it to drift back naturally. - Pull Gently Toward Safety
Once the person holds the ring, pull the rope steadily—never jerk. - Keep Communication Clear
Reassure the person:
“Hold the ring. You are safe. We are pulling you in.” - Do Not Jump In Unless Trained
Untrained rescuers entering water often become victims themselves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Throwing the ring without holding the rope
- Aiming directly at the person’s head
- Delaying action due to panic
- Leaving life rings blocked or tied
- Using damaged or tangled ropes
- Assuming “someone else will act”
In emergencies, seconds matter. Familiarity with equipment saves lives.
Why Staff Training Is Essential
Life rings are often installed—but rarely practiced.
Without training:
- Staff hesitate
- Response time increases
- Panic spreads
- Mistakes happen
With basic training:
- Staff act confidently
- Incidents are controlled quickly
- Guests feel safer
- Liability risk is reduced
Every waterfront facility should conduct:
- Regular safety briefings
- Simple rescue drills
- Equipment checks
- Clear role assignments
Creating a Safer Waterfront
Safety equipment is only as effective as the people using it.
At Ocean Marine Contracting, we supply marine safety equipment such as life rings, buoys, and service pedestals—and assist clients with proper placement and operational guidance.
A safe waterfront is not defined by equipment alone, but by prepared people.
Because in a real emergency,
the first responder is rarely a lifeguard—it is the nearest staff member.
