Take the high road from West Lothian and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond

Daily Record

7 days ago

Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event
Residents from across West Lothian are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday.
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Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25.
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The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables.
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The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including swimming safely outdoors.
The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
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Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code
Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.'
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Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency.
'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency.
'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.'
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Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.
'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.'
'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.'
The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.