A water skimmer has a float portion supporting a drain portion for draining water from a sediment basin. The drain portion includes a first pipe connect via flexible couplings to a second pipe and then to a water removal system. Water enters the first pipe's orifice through a removable, restrictive orifice saddle. The first pipe is bolted to the float portion using a guard and brackets that hold first pipe just below the water surface to receive water with less sediment. The guard also blocks floating debris while allowing water to flow to the weir under its bottom edge. As the water level rises and falls, the flexible couplings and float portion help maintain first pipe horizontal.