Latest news with #WaterSafetyOpenDay
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
- 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.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Water safety warning as Scotland heats up this weekend
The utility company is advising people to "stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks" around reservoirs, rivers, lochs, and beaches. The warning comes as figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024 and 193 across the UK. To equip people with basic water safety knowledge and skills, Scottish Water is collaborating with Water Safety Scotland to hold a Water Safety Open Day on July 25, in support of World Drowning Prevention Day. Read more: Kneecap slate John Swinney at Glasgow gig after TRNSMT axe The annual event will be held at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, from 11am to 4pm. Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: "While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure at Scotland's beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers, and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and act 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 behave responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.' Reservoirs, which are integral to Scottish Water's infrastructure, pose specific hazards including deep, cold water, dams, steep banks, spillways, and underwater pipework. The remote locations of many reservoirs mean there is often a lack of immediate assistance and poor mobile phone reception. As such, Scottish Water discourages swimming in these bodies of water. The company's safety advice extends to pet owners, as attempting to rescue pets in trouble in the water can result in fatalities. Scottish Water reservoir rangers patrol popular locations including Milngavie, Gladhouse, Kilpatrick Hills, Carron Valley, North Third, and Cocksburn. The company is also reminding people to stay hydrated, encouraging them to take reusable bottles wherever they venture this weekend. Their Top Up Tap map shows the location of over 130 taps across the country, including in towns, cities, parks, and at the coast.
