Warning issued to swimmers

Jul 3 2009 by Lisa Boyle

WATER authorities are reminding swimmers to stay safe this summer when playing in water areas.

Accidents around reservoirs, lochs and rivers are still common among bathers, with more accidental fatalities occurring in inland waters than any other.

Reservoirs are of particular concern due to the hidden dangers that lurk below the water’s surface.

Underwater debris such as pipework, underwater plant life and steep embankments are some of the factors that account for the accidents around the man-made water features.

Dawn McDermott, Scottish Water’s regional communities manager, is concerned paddlers may be risking their lives in attempts to cool off: “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.

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

Peter Cornall, head of leisure safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, appreciates that not everyone can visit supervised swimming locations such as beaches or pools.

He added: “RoSPA promotes the idea that life should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. Be honest about your swimming ability and remember that alcohol and swimming do not mix.”

The Scottish SPCA also reminds dog walkers to take care when exercising the family pet.

A pet who lunges after a stick or ball near bodies of water may escape injury – the owner who attempts to save them may not.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn says: “The safest approach is to keep your dog on the lead near water.”