Latest news with #WaterSafetyCode
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Loch Ken Trust organising family fun day to raise water safety awareness
There will be lots to do for all ages including rescue demonstrations, water safety and nature activities and kids funfair rides. The Loch Ken Family Water Safety Day will take place next week. Loch Ken Trust is organising the event, in collaboration with the emergency services and other local organisations, to raise awareness of water safety. It will take place in Parton in the field next to Loch Ken Holiday Park between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday, August 12. A day of family fun is in store, as well as the chance to learn how to stay safe on and around the region's rivers, lochs and coast. There will be lots to do for all ages including rescue demonstrations, water safety and nature activities and kids funfair rides, with the chance to meet local branches of the emergency services and the community ranger service. There will be free rafted water canoe trips and mini water safety sessions run by instructors at the Galloway Activity Centre – drop in on the day to sign up by the Galloway Activity Centre flag – and local wild swimming group, Swim Queens, will also be attending. Loch Ken Trust manager, Lindsay Stewart, said: 'Following the success of last year's event, we are pleased to be working once again with the emergency services and many local organisations to highlight water safety and promote the Water Safety Code. 'There will be lots of fun activities for all the family, with important messages on how to enjoy water safely.' The trust will be running a free return bus from Castle Douglas with Galloway Community Transport. Buses will leave Market Hill Castle Douglas at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm, returning at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. If the last bus is full there is also the 520 service which leaves Parton at 3.20pm and 4.12pm. The trust was awarded the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Events Charter certificate for this event, by taking steps to be low carbon, nature positive, and to raise awareness of the region's UNESCO Biosphere designation. Catering will be available on the day from local businesses including Ballards Butchers Catering, The Crepe Bar and Glen Urr Ice Cream.
Otago Daily Times
24-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Public encouraged to share stories, raise drowning awareness
Share your story — that is the message from Water Safety New Zealand and the Accident Compensation Corporation today as they recognise World Drowning Prevention Day. In New Zealand, 74 people lost their lives by drowning in 2024; and in the first six months of this year, 38 people have drowned in incidents that could have been prevented. One of those was from Otago earlier this year. There were no preventable drownings in the region last year. The global theme for this year is "Your Story Can Save A Life", and WSNZ and ACC are encouraging people to speak openly about their experiences, in a bid to make people more mindful of the risks around water this winter. The 74 drowning fatalities in 2024 was the lowest annual toll since 2018, and was a 14% drop from the 10-year average. Water Safety New Zealand interventions lead Esther Hone said the reduction was encouraging, but the risks remained real. She said since 2014, an average of 86 New Zealanders drowned every year in incidents that could have been prevented. Fatalities involved behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket, entering the water alone, consuming alcohol and other drugs or underestimating conditions. "We are making progress, particularly with our tamariki, but every life lost is one too many. "World Drowning Prevention Day is a chance to speak up, share our stories and help shape a culture where water safety is second nature. "We believe every child deserves the knowledge, experience and confidence to survive in the water — not just swim in it." ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said ACC accepted about 4500 water-related injuries every year, costing the taxpayer $13.5million to help people recover. In Otago, ACC accepted about 450 water-related injuries every year, costing $1million to help people recover. Mr Whitaker said a drowning was devastating for any family and the local community and he urged people to follow the Water Safety Code. "New Zealand's beaches, lakes and rivers provide us all with amazing opportunities to enjoy ourselves and connect with friends and families. "If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love." The Water Safety Code encourages people to know how to float; find the safest place to swim; if in doubt, stay out; take care of yourself and others; and know how to get help.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Take the low road from Lanarkshire and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across Lanarkshire 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. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. 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. 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 how to swim 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: 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.' 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.' 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. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond water safety event to be held to mark World Drowning Prevention Day
Loch Lomond Shores will this week host a free water safety event to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. A free water safety event is to be staged at Loch Lomond to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. It's hoped that the water safety event will raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention. It takes place at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on Friday, July 25. The event will be run by Water Safety Scotland and supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and offers a broad range of interactive and educational activities. Now in its fourth year, the event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024. Water Safety Scotland is warning that continued vigilance is essential. Those attending will have the opportunity to 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 and visit a range of interactive safety and information stands. It comes weeks after a man died after getting in to difficulty in Loch Lomond earlier this month. The 50-year-old got into difficulty near Ardvorlich. Members of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat (LLRB) were called by the Scottish Ambulance Service to aid in what was described as a 'serious incident' occurring on a beach situated between Inveruglas and Ardlui. The man was subsequently transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where he sadly died the following day. 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.' 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. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: 'Alongside our partner agencies, we welcome the reduction in water-related deaths in 2024, but we cannot overstate the importance of continued vigilance, especially as the weather improves over the summer months. "Even on the warmest days, rivers and lochs in the National Park remain cold enough to trigger Cold Water Shock, and hidden hazards and unexpected depths can catch out even strong swimmers. 'That's why planning ahead is so important and why we're so pleased to welcome World Drowning Prevention Day event back to the National Park this summer, reflecting our year-round partnership with Water Safety Scotland to deliver a consistent, collaborative approach to policy and public engagement. "We look forward to speaking with members of the public on the day about the importance of following the Loch Lomond Byelaws and Water Safety Code - offering advice and support on how these measures are there to help prevent accidents before they happen. 'We want everyone to respect the water and enjoy the National Park this summer, but do it safely: respect the byelaws, follow the simple, life‑saving advice (Float to live), and look out for one another.' Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown added: '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.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: '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.'
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Take the high road from West Lothian and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
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. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. 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. 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: 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.' 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.' 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.
