RNLI issues timely reminder of the dangers of water

THE RNLI has issued a warning for all those who are looking to enjoy the water this Jubilee weekend.

Michael Avril, regional water safety lead for Scotland at the RNLI, urged people to be aware how quickly splashing around can become dangerous.

It comes after seven people drowned in just one weekend last July.

Mr Avril told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland: “People who were used to going abroad have started to use beauty spots in Scotland, but a lot of these are around water.

“Everywhere that has water – a river, a pond, a loch or the seaside, you must always respect the water.

“People should stop and see if they can spot the dangers that are around them.”

There is a likelihood that with the hot summer weather predicted across Tayside and Fife this Jubilee weekend more people than ever could be going into the water.

Over recent years, the amount of people drowning in Scotland has continued to rise.

According to a report from the National Water Safety Forum, in 2019 the number of fatalities was 96, but in 2020 it rose to 99, and in 2021 it had risen again to 105.

Data obtained by The Courier last October from HM Coastguard showed the number of water rescues that had to be carried out.

Crews were called out to a total of 2,774 incidents across Scotland, of which 462 took place in waters around Tayside and Fife.

In 2021, there were nine water fatalities in Tayside and Fife.

In total 531 rescues were conducted in Scotland, with crews helping 103 people in Tayside and Fife.

Mr Avril added: “There are also dangers that you can’t necessarily see.

“Cold water shock is a big one.

“Lochs are more dangerous, mainly because they are colder, as the water gets deeper the temperature plummets.

“Cold water shock affects your ability to swim, your breathing becomes rapid and your heart rate also starts to get faster and faster – which can induce a real panic.

“The advice to anyone that gets into trouble in water is to get on your back and get into the star shape, then you will start to float.

“The most important thing is – do not go in after anyone who you think is drowning, call 999.”