Date Published: August 6, 2025
Dubai’s spectacular skyline, with its towers rising alongside shimmering canals and the Arabian Gulf, is a testament to architectural ambition. But for the construction industry, these stunning waterfront projects bring a unique and serious responsibility: ensuring the safety of every worker near or over the water. A fall doesn’t just mean a drop; it means a drop into a potential life-or-death situation.
To navigate these risks, contractors must adhere to the comprehensive guidelines laid out by the Dubai Municipality in its “Code of Construction Safety Practice.” This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about creating a culture of safety that protects the people building our city. Here’s a clear, human-readable guide to the essentials.
Your First Lifeline: Getting Lifejackets Right
The most basic and critical piece of equipment is the personal flotation device. Dubai’s rules are specific and for good reason.
- Mandatory for All: Any employee working where there is a risk of drowning must be provided with an approved lifejacket or a buoyant work vest.
- Built for Rescue: These aren’t your average recreational vests. They must be equipped with a whistle to attract attention and an emergency light for visibility, especially for any work conducted at night.
- Constant Checks: A lifejacket with a defect is a useless lifejacket. They must be inspected regularly for any tears, damage, or loss of buoyancy. Defective gear must be removed from service immediately.
Ready for Rescue: Aids at the Water’s Edge
Passive rescue equipment is the next layer of defence, ensuring that help is always within arm’s reach.
- Lifebuoys on Standby: Brightly coloured lifebuoys (or life rings) are a mandatory sight. They must be attached to a rope that is at least 27 meters long, with knots tied every three meters for an easier grip.
- Strategic Placement: These life-saving rings must be placed in highly visible locations and spaced no more than 60 meters apart. This ensures that no matter where an incident occurs, a rescue aid is quickly accessible.
- Throwing Lines: In addition to lifebuoys, lightweight throwing lines attached to a floating capsule should be available for rapid deployment in a rescue operation.
People-Powered Safety: Training and Rescuing Your Team
The best equipment is only effective in the hands of a well-trained team. The human element is the most crucial part of any water safety plan.
- No Lone Wolves: Working alone over or near water is strictly prohibited. A buddy system ensures someone is always there to raise the alarm.
- Knowledge is Safety: All workers must receive thorough training on the specific risks of the job, emergency procedures, and how to properly use all rescue equipment.
- Practice Makes Perfect: It’s not enough to have a plan on paper. The Dubai Municipality requires regular emergency drills to be carried out. These drills test the effectiveness of the rescue plan and ensure the entire team can react swiftly and correctly when it matters most.
The Dual Risk: Harnesses, Ropes, and Fall Protection
When working at height over water, the risks multiply. A fall must be prevented long before a water rescue is needed.
- Harnesses are Key: For anyone working on platforms or scaffolds over water, a safety harness and other fall protection equipment are mandatory. This is a separate requirement in addition to wearing a lifejacket.
- Safety Nets: Where feasible, safety nets should be erected between the work platform and the water surface to provide an additional layer of protection.
- Rope Access Specialists: For complex facades or structures requiring rope access, only specialist, certified companies and personnel should be used. They must follow rigorous standards for their equipment, including full-body harnesses and descenders with automatic braking systems, ensuring a controlled and safe operation from start to finish.
The Ultimate Backup: The Rescue Boat
For larger sites or where currents could sweep a person away, a passive response isn’t enough. A dedicated rescue boat becomes a non-negotiable part of the safety plan.
- Immediate Availability: At least one life-saving boat (or skiff) must be immediately available at any location where employees are working over or adjacent to the water.
- Equipped for Action: The boat must be properly equipped for rescue operations. For any night work, this includes high-powered searchlights to scan the water effectively.
- Competent Crew: The boat must be crewed by trained personnel who are familiar with rescue procedures and can operate the vessel efficiently in an emergency.
In Dubai’s fast-paced construction environment, safety can never take a backseat. Following these water safety guidelines is more than just compliance; it’s a commitment to valuing every life on site. A truly world-class project is, above all, a safe one.
Build with Confidence: Take the Next Step in Safety
A safe site is the foundation of every successful project. Are your water safety protocols as robust and reliable as the structures you build?
Don’t leave the safety of your team to chance. A single incident can have devastating consequences for your workers, your project timeline, and your company’s reputation. Now is the time to be proactive, not reactive.
Ensure your project is not just compliant, but a benchmark for safety in the industry. Whether it’s ensuring proper rescue procedures, verifying training protocols, or conducting a full lifeguard compliance audit, our team of safety experts is here to help. We offer comprehensive audits of your water safety procedures, specialized staff training programs, and guidance on sourcing best-in-class rescue equipment. Let’s work together to build a safer Dubai.
📧 Email: info@blueguardme.com
📞 Call: 0569980531
Get in touch with Blueguard ME today to start building a safer aquatic environment.
Luke Cunningham
Co-Founder & Managing Director
