Scottish Water issues warning over dangers of reservoirs
The warning comes after reports of anti-social and dangerous behaviour at reservoirs, including campfires, vandalism, littering, and diving from water towers.
Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: "While people should enjoy any good weather we have this summer and take pleasure around beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers, and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly.
"As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water.
"At reservoirs, 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 everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses."
Read more: Scottish Water issues plea as country's reservoirs hit by dry weather
Reservoirs pose particular dangers due to deep, cold water, dams, steep banks, spillways, and underwater pipework.
Many of them are in remote locations with limited access to help and poor mobile phone reception.
Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in reservoirs and advises the public to stay out of the water.
The warning comes as part of a wider campaign to promote water safety, supported by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).
Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: "In the last five years, only 39 per cent of those who accidentally drowned in Scotland intended to be in the water, highlighting how easy it is to unexpectedly get into trouble.
"With the summer holidays coming and families enjoying staycations across popular destinations in Scotland, it is even more vital that everyone has a strong understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water."
"Bringing water safety to the forefront of everyone's mind, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer-ready when it comes to being safe in and around water.'
Carlene McAvoy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "Every drowning is a heartbreaking and preventable loss that deeply affects families and communities across Scotland.
"As summer approaches and more people spend time near water, we're encouraging everyone to take a moment to remember the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers; Stay Together, Stay Close; and In an Emergency, Call 999.
"These simple steps can genuinely save lives."
Scottish Water has reservoir rangers patrolling key sites to promote safety and offer guidance to visitors.
Rangers patrol busy reservoirs including Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire, Gladhouse in Midlothian, Kilpatrick Hills in West Dunbartonshire, Carron Valley, North Third, and Cocksburn in Stirlingshire.
Donna Mills, Scottish Water's Land Strategy Team Manager, said: 'Our rangers are out across these key sites speaking directly with visitors about how to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
"They're sharing tailored advice and highlighting good practice guidance developed by Water Safety Scotland.
'Also, as part of localised PAWS groups (Partnership Approach to Water Safety), we are working closely with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local SW Public General councils to deliver joint patrols, school talks, and attend community events – all aimed at promoting water safety and responsible behaviour.
'All of this complements our social media campaigns and our onsite safety signage which we'd encourage everyone to take a moment to read and follow the guidance when visiting.'
The company also collaborates with Police Scotland, fire services, and local councils to deliver joint patrols, school talks, and community events aimed at improving water safety.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Scottish Water issues warning over dangers of reservoirs
The warning comes after reports of anti-social and dangerous behaviour at reservoirs, including campfires, vandalism, littering, and diving from water towers. Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: "While people should enjoy any good weather we have this summer and take pleasure around beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers, and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly. "As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water. "At reservoirs, 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 everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses." Read more: Scottish Water issues plea as country's reservoirs hit by dry weather Reservoirs pose particular dangers due to deep, cold water, dams, steep banks, spillways, and underwater pipework. Many of them are in remote locations with limited access to help and poor mobile phone reception. Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in reservoirs and advises the public to stay out of the water. The warning comes as part of a wider campaign to promote water safety, supported by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: "In the last five years, only 39 per cent of those who accidentally drowned in Scotland intended to be in the water, highlighting how easy it is to unexpectedly get into trouble. "With the summer holidays coming and families enjoying staycations across popular destinations in Scotland, it is even more vital that everyone has a strong understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water." "Bringing water safety to the forefront of everyone's mind, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer-ready when it comes to being safe in and around water.' Carlene McAvoy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "Every drowning is a heartbreaking and preventable loss that deeply affects families and communities across Scotland. "As summer approaches and more people spend time near water, we're encouraging everyone to take a moment to remember the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers; Stay Together, Stay Close; and In an Emergency, Call 999. "These simple steps can genuinely save lives." Scottish Water has reservoir rangers patrolling key sites to promote safety and offer guidance to visitors. Rangers patrol busy reservoirs including Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire, Gladhouse in Midlothian, Kilpatrick Hills in West Dunbartonshire, Carron Valley, North Third, and Cocksburn in Stirlingshire. Donna Mills, Scottish Water's Land Strategy Team Manager, said: 'Our rangers are out across these key sites speaking directly with visitors about how to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. "They're sharing tailored advice and highlighting good practice guidance developed by Water Safety Scotland. 'Also, as part of localised PAWS groups (Partnership Approach to Water Safety), we are working closely with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local SW Public General councils to deliver joint patrols, school talks, and attend community events – all aimed at promoting water safety and responsible behaviour. 'All of this complements our social media campaigns and our onsite safety signage which we'd encourage everyone to take a moment to read and follow the guidance when visiting.' The company also collaborates with Police Scotland, fire services, and local councils to deliver joint patrols, school talks, and community events aimed at improving water safety.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Scots warned to keep curbing water usage as scarcity still major concern despite rainfall
Parts of Scotland are "under significant pressure" with experts describing the water environment as "vulnerable" May brought record-breaking sunshine and temperatures to Scotland - but not without a hitch. Last month, Scots were hit with a stark warning to reduce their water usage following the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Residents were instructed to take shorter showers, switch off sprinklers, use watering cans and avoid using hoses where possible, although advice stopped short of calling for a full hosepipe ban for the first time in 30 years. Scottish Water said that, since mid-April, Scots had been using around an extra 150 million litres of water a day. And despite some parts of the country seeing temporary improvements due to recent rainfall, it is still not enough. "We've had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery," Kenny Boag, SEPA's Head of Environmental Performance said. "There has been some relief in parts of the west, but for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. "It's a complex picture... most of the east coast continues to experience water stress. "Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. "More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference." SEPA is warning that parts of the country, particularly in the east, are experiencing water strain. Most of the East Coast from Moray and Aberdeenshire down to the Borders remains at Moderate Scarcity. Encouragingly, the rain has improved the situation in the west, and in the south-west, the rivers Almond, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree have transitioned from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. The Leven (Dunbartonshire), Loch Fyne, the Argyll coast, Loch Linnhe, the Lochy (Invernessshire), Loch Shiel, Loch Alsh and Loch Maree have all recovered and are now in Early Warning alongside the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Similarly, the Awe and Etive area has downgraded to Normal Conditions, due to the heaviest rain falling here. However, the rest of Scotland remains at Alert. Scotland experienced a drier than average autumn, winter and spring, leaving many rivers struggling to recharge. And even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places. Kenny did not confirm whether harsher restrictions will be put in place if the situation worsens, nor did he say what those restrictions would be. But if further action does need to be taken, "it will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible". In the meantime, Scots are being urged to continue using water efficiently and responsibly. How can Scots help save water? Using water efficiently in the garden and outdoor spaces by using a watering can instead of a garden hose where possible and avoiding using sprinklers Taking shorter showers Turning the tap off when brushing teeth Using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded Using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car You can calculate how much water your household uses by clicking here. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Emergency city centre road closure after sinkhole discovered
The investigations are still in the early stages, with the affected sewer located around four metres below the surface. The cause of the sinkhole is not yet known, and the duration of the repair will depend on the outcome of further investigations, Scottish Water said. READ MORE: A Scottish Water Spokesperson said: 'We're working hard to investigate and fix this issue as quickly and safely as possible to help minimise disruption. 'We are also aware of upcoming events in the area, including The Lloyd's Tour of Britian Women cycle race this Sunday and the Men's 10K next weekend. We're in discussions with the organisers but both events are still expected to go ahead. 'We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we carry out this essential repair.' Local businesses remain open as usual, and pedestrian access is being maintained. Road users are advised to follow the signs in place.
