PLAY SAFE AT WATERCOURSES, SAYS SCOTTISH WATER

27th May 2012

People are being reminded to play it safe in and around rivers, reservoirs and lochs across the Highlands during the hot and sunny weather.

Joanna Peebles, Scottish Water's regional community manager for the area, who is concerned people might take unnecessary risks around water, said today: "While it's important that people enjoy the good weather and 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."

That's a message which is being reiterated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

David Walker, the leisure safety manager at RoSPA, said: "In previous years, the number of accidental drownings inland has peaked during hot spells. We want people to be out-and-about enjoying the weather and ideally swimming at properly-supervised sites, such as the local swimming pool."

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. For your own safety you should keep away from such man-made structures.

Other hidden dangers found at reservoirs include deep cold water (even on a hot day), underwater plant life and steep banks.

For these reasons, and in the interests of our customers' health and safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming or diving in any of our reservoirs. 

Mr Walker added: "If people choose not to go to a supervised site, then we urge them to think through the risks of swimming in rivers, reservoirs and lochs before taking the plunge and to make sure they know what to do if something goes wrong. We encourage parents and carers to discuss the dangers with their children and to remind them that children should never swim alone at unsupervised locations.

"Among the hazards to consider are that, even on a hot day, water might be a lot colder than you were expecting and there may be strong currents and underwater debris that you cannot see from the bank. Consider how you are going to get out of the water once you are in it, be honest about your swimming ability and remember that alcohol and swimming never mix."

Each year, there are more accidental drowning deaths in inland waters than in any other types of water. In 2010, there were 420 water-related deaths from accidents or natural causes across the UK, of which more than half (217) happened in inland waters such as rivers, canals, lakes, lochs, reservoirs and ponds.

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 can get into difficulty in water which might be colder than it looks.

Protect your pets
During warm, dry conditions, people are also more likely to seek exercise, both for themselves and their family pet. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives into water, often chasing a ball or stick, and gets into difficulty. The pet often survives such incidents but sometimes 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.

If customers would like more information they can contact our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855.