Scottish Water is urging Perth and Kinross people to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers and lochs this summer.
The latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) show that, in 2021, a total of 277 people lost their lives to accidental drowning in the UK, including 58 in Scotland.
The figures, which were up from 254 and 39 in the UK and Scotland respectively in 2020, include the deaths of six people who drowned in Scottish watercourses such as Loch Lomond in four separate incidents in one weekend during warm weather last July.
With the weather likely to heat up in the coming weeks, locals across the region are being reminded of the dangers.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure around the country’s beautiful lochs, reservoirs and rivers, it’s absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly.
“As the tragic deaths in Scotland last year showed, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water, including lochs, reservoirs and rivers.
“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 adults to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.”
Deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs, which are working parts of Scottish Water’s infrastructure.
Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows) and underwater pipework can also present real hazards.
Many of the publicly-owned utility’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is backing Scottish Water’s advice.
RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week runs from June 18 to 25 and encourages people to do their bit to ensure the UK’s accessible waterways are fun and secure places for everyone to take pleasure in.
Also urging caution is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Deputy assistant chief officer Alasdair Perry, who is head of prevention and protection, said: “Over the last year a number of tragic events have been a sad reminder that all of Scotland’s waterways can be dangerous.
“We must educate the public about the very real dangers of our coastal and inland waters and the risks involved in swimming or playing in water.
“Anyone, of any skill and experience level can find themselves in difficulty and we would encourage everyone to educate themselves and those around them to stay safe in and around water.”
Scottish Water is a member of the Scottish Government’s Water Safety Stakeholder Group, whose members have committed to further develop partnership working to help prevent drownings and agreed a range of key actions.
Extra funding, improved signs and lesson plans for pupils are all part of a new Water Safety Action Plan, drawn up by the Scottish Government and a range of key organisations following the water deaths last summer.
Scottish Water has agreed to continue its partnership with Scottish Swimming to support the national Learn to Swim programme, which has been developed to help children of all ages and abilities to become confident swimmers.
