A water safety and rescue demonstration took place at the River Leven which trained members of the public on how they can save lives.
The Waterside Responder Scheme was held following a number of tragedies across the area’s waterways.
Twelve-year-old Ava Gray drowned in the River Leven at Balloch in August 2020, while four lives were lost in Loch Lomond last summer.
Teenager Connor Markward drowned at Balloch in July before nine-year-old Rana Haris Ali, his mum Edina Olahova and family friend Mohammad Asim Raza lost their lives at Pulpit Rock less than a day later.
Residents were invited to attend the demonstration in Renton as part of this year’s Doors Open Day.
They were trained in how to make a potentially lifesaving intervention if they see somebody in difficulty.
Speaking afterwards, Joe McKay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for West Dunbartonshire, said: “We are absolutely committed to working with our partners across Scotland to help protect and save lives in Scotland’s waterways.
“This is an innovative partnership that we believe can make a real difference and help save lives.
“Every second counts in a water emergency and we have sadly seen how dangerous the water can be in recent years.
“This Waterside Responder Scheme aims to educate and train members of the public to make a potentially lifesaving intervention in those early stages of an emergency while emergency services are on the way.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have teamed up to deliver the vital safety training.
Earlier this year, a pioneering water safety partnership developed in West Dunbartonshire after local water tragedies was formally rolled out across the country.
Leanne Rae, mother of tragic Ava Gray, told the Lennox Herald she hoped the partnership would be Ava’s legacy - and help to save lives.
Ava’s family, led by aunt Jamie Gillies, campaigned tirelessly for greater water safety measures following her death.
The model used – which was a joint partnership between West Dunbartonshire Council, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – has been so successful it is being rolled out across the country.
The ‘Partnership Approach to Water Safety’ group – PAWS – set up last year has seen a number of measures, including new life rings and
improved signage.
