Scottish Water say caution is crucial

Scottish Water is urging people to stay safe and not take risks around rivers, reservoirs and lochs this summer.

The organisation is also calling on children and parents to take particular care during the summer holidays and any spells of warm weather we might enjoy.

The latest figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that in 2014, a total of 303 people lost their lives to drowning in the UK, and 40 of those cases were in Scotland.

A recent social media campaign by Scottish Water, called #ReservoirSafety, aims to highlight the importance of taking care .

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.”

Christie Burnett, community safety development officer for RoSPA Scotland, said: “We do not want children to stop having fun around waterways but it is crucial they understand the risks and, if they are planning on entering the water, they know how to get back out.”