Youngsters warned of water dangers

Youngsters across Renfrewshire are being urged to play it safe in and around rivers, reservoirs and lochs during the hot weather.

Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmer Duncan Scott, from Alloa, is concerned that people might take unnecessary risks as temperatures rise.

Duncan, who won six medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, said:“We are surrounded by coastline and thousands of lochs, rivers and reservoirs so it is incredibly important that people, including youngsters, are able to swim and are safe whenever and wherever they swim.”

The message is part of Scottish Water’s #ReservoirSafety campaign. Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said:“While everyone should enjoy their school holidays or take pleasure in the country’s beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that they stay safe at all times.

“Safety is a serious issue as, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure children, and parents, are aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking adults to act responsibly around watercourses.”

The campaign is backed up by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

For more information about the campaign, go to www.scottishwater.co.uk/ reservoirvideo