A Glasgow river rescue team has criticised a petition calling for the introduction of a safe swimming area to the River Clyde.
Glasgow Live reported yesterday on the petition, started by River Clyde Environment Group, who organise litter picks along the Clyde and help report activities such as wildlife sightings and suspected pollution incidents, particularly in and around Glasgow city centre. However, the Glasgow Humane Society has gone against the calls, saying that the River Clyde is far too dangerous to swim in.
The historic charity has included a solution in their criticism - calling on the SNP/Green council to make swimming pools free, whether year round or just during the warmest weather, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
READ MORE: Glasgow petition calls for safe outdoor swimming area 'in or near River Clyde'
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A spokesperson for the Glasgow Humane Society said: “I work on it [River Clyde] every day. The water is polluted with tampons, condoms and all sorts floating down the river. Sometimes it turns into a murky brown colour. The amount of debris and trees and underneath it, there are shopping trolleys. They're not thinking about how dangerous it is.”
They explained that the location would need to be manned and have safe swimming periods with a lifeguard on hand. Last year, there was a record number of drownings in Scotland, and it was the highest in the UK, with 57 people losing their life.
In previous years, Police Scotland has issued warnings about swimming in open water such as the Clyde, noting that it can have “hidden dangers” and despite looking calm on top there may be strong undercurrents.
The petition was initially started two days ago and is close to reaching 100 signatures.
You can view the petition here.
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