School pupils have been warned of the 'hidden hazards' of Loch Doon after a number of drowning tragedies at the Ayrshire beauty spot.
Youngsters from Doon Academy recently took part in Scotland’s first-ever outdoor water safety awareness course on the banks of the East Ayrshire loch.
It comes months after two tragic deaths in three years at the popular Dalmellington attraction.
Scott Ferries, 24, from Ayr suffered from cold water shock in March after his kayak ‘capsized’ whilst out with his pal on the water.
And in 2019, former Doon Academy pupil Brandon Patton, 18, drowned whilst getting into difficulty in the water.
Ahead of the summer holidays, pupils attended the first of many specialist training sessions set to be rolled out at Bellsbank Primary and Dalmellington Primary.
The SOS classes will tell of the hidden hazards of water and how to correctly use a barrage of life-saving equipment which now surrounds the loch.
Emergency services joined forces with council groups and the Loch Doon rangers to spell out the dangers and what to do in an emergency.
Councillors Drew Filson and Elaine Stewart attended the first session with head teacher Kenneth Reilly.
Doon Valley's Councillor Filson said: “The new water safety awareness training is really innovative and will contribute to ensuring that anyone coming along to enjoy what is a true jewel in the crown of East Ayrshire in terms of its natural beauty can do so as safely as possible.
“The recent tragedy at Loch Doon shows just how dangerous the water can be.
“The loch is deep, very cold at all times of the year and has strong currents, which can result in someone quickly getting into difficulty. It is important that as many people as possible understand the dangers, particularly our children and young people.
David Doran, health and safety manager at the council, said: “While we are lucky in East Ayrshire to be able to enjoy beautiful riverside and loch walks, open water is incredibly dangerous and we have to ensure that we treat open water with the respect it deserves.”
Ayrshire’s leading firefighter Ian McMeekin says water safety is now a ‘top priority’ after tragedies in the region and across the country.
The senior officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in East, North and South Ayrshire said: “Recently, we have seen several incidents in Ayrshire and across Scotland that have sadly shown how important it is to stay safe in and around Scotland’s waters.
"Although it might seem warm enough, open water can be very cold and cause cold water shock which can affect anyone of any age, fitness or experience levels. It’s also often impossible to know what hazards lie below the surface of the water.”
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