Water safety events for schools after falls tragedy
Water safety events set up by two police and fire officers in the wake of a Callander tragedy are to be rolled out to schoolchildren across the Stirling area.
At a meeting yesterday (Thursday) Stirling Council congratulated PC William Diamond and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service community fire officer Heather Steel for their efforts in creating an event that addresses the need for water safety awareness among young people.
A motion to thank the pair had been lodged by rural councillors Martin Earl and Alistair Berrill, and was backed unanimously by councillors on all sides of the chamber.
Eilidh McNab, 23, drowned last August at Bracklinn Falls despite frantic efforts to rescue her from the water. She was pronounced dead at the scene while her 25 year-old friend was pulled to safety and escaped injury.
It later emerged that there was a lack of clarity over who was responsible for implementing improved signage and safety provision at the spot.
Now awareness events are initially set to take place for senior primary and secondary pupils in the Trossachs and Teith and Forth and Endrick wards this month and in May.
Councillor Earl said:“It is due to the efforts of PC Diamond and Fire Officer Steel that these events have been created and organised and the council acknowledges the amount of work they have taken in this regard.”
In recent years there have been four incidents at popular beauty spot Bracklinn Falls near Callander where people got themselves into difficulty at the popular tourist location.
A group was set up last year including police, fire, search and rescue, national park and council officials in a bid to tackle safety issues following the drowning of Eilidh McNab.
Extensive debate had taken place over how to tackle the issue of buoyancy aids at the site, which have a history of being stolen or going missing.
The group decided more such equipment at the site may cause over reliance, further confusion or even encourage people to enter the water, but improved signage will be put up at the spot by Easter.
Councillor Earl said following yesterday’s full council meeting:“I am delighted the whole council came together to support this motion.
“The recent tragic events at the Bracklinn Falls in Callander unfortunately demonstrate all too clearly why any event that imparts this kind of information is essential.
“I am also delighted that we are supporting expanding the event to ensure all Stirling’s young people will be involved.”