Initiative to stop drownings

A Motherwell and Wishaw MSP has helped launch a new strategy hoping to drastically prevent accidental drowning deaths in the area.

On average more than 50 people across Scotland lose their lives every year due to unintentional drowning.

And MSP Clare Adamson, who convened the cross party group that launched the new strategy at Holyrood on Wednesday, hopes that it will help to prevent“tragic”and avoidable loss of life.

She said:“Statistics show there were 268 drownings in Scotland from 2012 - 2016. Each one of these deaths is a tragedy.

“In two thirds of cases, entry to the water was accidental, with victims most commonly falling into the water.

“This is particularly relevant in Motherwell and Wishaw, where many runners, cyclists and dog walkers enjoy Strathclyde Loch and the pathways alongside the River Clyde.

“Scotland has almost double the rate of drownings per head of population than the rest of the UK.

“I hope this strategy can reduce drownings here and across Scotland.”

Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy is hoped to cut the number of accidental deaths by 50 per cent by 2026, while contributing to the reduction of water-related suicide that costs a further 29 lives every year. Objectives include developing learning to swim and water safety education in primary and secondary schools and setting up local water safety strategies across North Lanarkshire.

Michael Avril, chairman of Water Safety Scotland, added:“The launch of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy represents an important milestone in water safety within Scotland.

“I would ask that everyone plays their part to help us save more lives in Scotland.”

The strategy has been drawn up by experts including the RNLI, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Government and NHS boards.