Warning issued as 33 die of drowning in waters across Scotland in past year
The number of people who accidentally drowned hit peak numbers in May last year. The National Water Safety Forum is warning the public of the dangers of cold water shock.
A total of 33 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in Scotland last year which has prompted a fresh safety warning about the dangers of water during the summer.
The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has issued urgent advice following a spike in fatalities, particularly seen in May last year, where 28 people died across the UK - the highest monthly toll of the year.
It comes after the recent tragedy of 21-year-old student Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, who drowned at the Devil's Pulpit in Finnich Glen, near Croftamie, Stirlingshire, on May 21.
Marwan, a data science student at the University of Strathclyde, was visiting the scenic gorge with friends when he encountered difficulties crossing a deeper section of the current. Despite a brave rescue attempt by one of his companions, Marwan could not be saved.
His devastated family described him as 'kind, intelligent, and full of life, love, and curiosity.' They said: 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice.
"Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. This loss has shattered our family. I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.'
The Devil's Pulpit, made famous by its appearance in TV series Outlander, has become a popular but hazardous destination. The steep, slippery terrain and cold water have led to multiple rescue operations in recent years.
The figures released by NWSF show that 61% of accidental drownings happen in inland waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries.
Professor Mike Tipton, NWSF chairman and expert at the University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory, warned: 'Each one of these fatalities represents a tragedy and the loss of many years of life. All those involved have my deepest condolences.
'The National Water Safety Forum will continue to work tirelessly to reduce drownings in the UK through data-driven education, interventions, communication, and campaigns.'
Prof Tipton highlighted the dangers of cold water shock, even during warmer months, noting that many inland waters remain below 16°C. Sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing, and loss of swimming ability, potentially leading to drowning.
Males make up 84% of deaths and of the 193 confirmed fatalities in the UK, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales, and six in Northern Ireland.
Of these, 28 occurred in May, 25 in August and 21 in July.
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A University of Portsmouth spokeswoman said: "May 2024 was the month with the most accidental water-related fatalities, with 28 lives tragically lost.
"Sadly, we know that when air temperatures increase, we often see a rise in accidental drownings.
"With more hot weather promised across the UK in the coming weeks, increasing numbers of people will be spending time on or near the water.
"The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is reminding everyone to enjoy the water safely by being aware of the risks, and by knowing how to help themselves and others in an emergency."
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