Play Safe This Winter

19th December 2010

With Scotland already experiencing harsh winter conditions, Scottish Water is reminding customers across Scotland that it's more important than ever that they play safe over the holidays.

Last winter seen the coldest winter in 30 years^ and Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer Service Delivery Director is concerned people may be risking their lives around freezing watercourses during this cold snap:

"While it's important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people across Scotland take pleasure in the country's beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's also vital that they stay safe.

"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but we are reminding parents to keep their children safe, and asking adults to act responsibly around watercourses. Don't wander too near the edge because you could slip and fall in. Dogs also need to be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water."

It's a message which the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is keen to reiterate.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA's head of leisure safety, said: "RoSPA tends to issue frozen water advice each winter, but today's warning comes far earlier than in previous seasons. We hope people will heed this advice both this week and during the coming months. "At RoSPA, we are committed to the philosophy that life should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible, and we encourage people - particularly children - to get out and about to enjoy the wintry weather.

"Ice-related drownings, however, are easily preventable. We advise people to take care around the edges of lakes and rivers because snow can obscure them, and we recommend that dogs are kept on a lead so they do not run out on to the ice. Also, avoid throwing sticks or balls on to the ice for dogs to retrieve.

"Although frozen water can look tempting, there's simply no way of knowing whether the ice will hold your weight and it's often too late by the time you find out that it won't.
"We encourage parents to talk to their children about the hazards of frozen water and what to do if they see someone fall through the ice."

Be aware of hidden dangers

Reservoirs are man made features and because of their purpose, they have a number of unique hidden dangers. These relate mainly to built structures such as dams, spillways (overflows) and water intakes (underwater pipe work that takes water out of the reservoir) and the effects of these.

Other hidden dangers found at reservoirs include deep water - which will be very cold at this time of year, underwater plant life and steep banks. Each year, there are more accidental drowning deaths in inland waters than in any other type of water.

Keep the kids safe

Children are another group most at risk in such accidents. It is vital parents explain the dangers to their children. Adults themselves should set a good example. Even strong swimmers could be fooled by waters which may be colder than they might look.

Mr Farrer continued: "Natural hazards can also lurk beneath the surface, where children and
adults can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud. The majority of reservoirs are remote and so there is a lack of immediate assistance. Safety education is a priority - please play safe this Christmas."

Protect your pets

During the festive break people will have more time on their hands and are more likely to seek exercise, both for themselves and their family pet. They are likely to visit such sites during crisp, wintry conditions. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives in, chasing a ball or stick. The pet more often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, do not.

Dogs need to be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "We strongly advise all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking near frozen water this winter. "If your dog does run out onto ice, never go out after it as the ice may be able to hold the weight of the dog but is unlikely to hold the weight of a human.

"Last year there were a number of cases where dogs fell through ice, which could have ended in tragedy for both animal and owner.

"If your pet does fall through ice, we would advise owners to remain on the land and call the emergency services or the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999."

If customers would like more information they can contact our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855 or www.scottishwater.co.uk/takecare.