Stay safe around watercourses and watch dogs in reservoirs
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Scottish Water is urging people to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers and lochs this summer.
The latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) show that, in 2020, a total of 254 people lost their lives to unintentional drowning in the UK, of which 39 were in Scotland.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure around the country’s beautiful lochs, reservoirs and rivers as the Covid-19 restrictions ease – following any Scottish Government guidelines in place at the time – it’s absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly.
“Safety is a serious issue at reservoirs as, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking adults to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.”
Deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs, which are working parts of Scottish Water’s infrastructure. Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows) and underwater pipework can also present real hazards.
The publicly-owned utility’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor.
In the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in its reservoirs.
Its reservoir safety advice is also targeted at pet owners. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives into water, chasing a ball or stick. The pet more often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, sometimes don’t.
Dogs need to be kept under control if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is backing Scottish Water’s advice and wants everyone to enjoy water safely.
RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week runs from June 19 to 26 and encourages everyone to do their bit to ensure the UK’s accessible waterways, are fun and secure places for everyone to take pleasure in.
Lee Heard, the RLSS UK’s charity director, said: “As lockdown lifts and the weather improves, we expect the public to head out into the great outdoors for a change of scenery and the chance to reconnect with friends, family and the activities they love.
“But with venues being shut for so long, people young and old have missed out on vital swimming and water safety lessons, with regular participants also finding that their abilities may have been reduced.
“RLSS UK believes that drowning is preventable and we can all take simple steps to help keep ourselves safe in, on and around the water. Learning to enjoy water safely before you set out is a vital part of having a great day out, living the moments and making memories to last a lifetime.”
Scottish Water is also ramping up its campaign to encourage responsible behaviour while visiting Scotland’s reservoirs with #RespectOurReservoirs video highlights the importance of not only water safety, but how visitors can play their part in helping to protect the natural environment. For example by taking their litter home and leaving no trace.
For more information of the RLSS UK and its Drowning Prevention Week visit www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/drowning-prevention-week/ and its water safety code at www.rlss.org.uk/the-water-safety-code
