I’ll make sure my son’s death wasn’t in vain
Mum of drowning victim welcomes new safety measures at Loch Doon
The heartbroken mum of a teenage drowning victim hopes a safer Loch Doon can prevent further deaths.
Lianne Patton never wants any parent go through the hell she faced when her son Brandon Patton died whilst swimming in Loch Doon.
The mum-of-three says she is still ‘numb’ over the death of her 18-year-old son more than two years ago.
Last week new safety equipment including a rescue boat, slipway for access for emergency vehicles and 17 metre pole were installed at the East Ayrshire beauty spot as part of action sparked by Brandon’s death to ensure no family have to go through the same heartache.
It comes after seven water deaths were recorded between July 23 and July 25 across Scotland.
Like those victims, Brandon decided to take a dip in Loch Doon on a hot day on Thursday, May 16, 2019.
Lianne, 38, who stays in Patna, has told how she relived every moment when she heard of the multiple drownings last month.
Now the determined parent is hoping Loch Doon’s latest safety measures can help pave the way for change at other beauty spots across Scotland.
Lianne said: “I’ve sat and cried so much knowing what all those families are going through. It is just heartbreaking.
“When I heard about all the deaths it was like reliving it all over again.
“There definitely needs to be more done across Scotland and that has started at Loch Doon.
“The way the community has rallied around us to make sure Brandon’s death was not in vain has been incredible.
“I never want any parent to go through what I did ever again.
“If I could put signs up at every loch I would.”
Lianne was visiting the loch as services came together to launch a host of new measures.
East Ayrshire Council has been working with partners Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and
Rescue and the neighbouring landowners at Loch Doon, Drax and Craigengillan Estate to implement safety measures.
A Portsafe system, believed to be a first for Scotland, will see an extendable pole in operation for anyone within 17 metres who gets into difficulty whilst swimming in the loch.
The device will be used from the shore to reach and retrieve anyone getting into difficulties.
Anyone can access the device using a code provided when they call emergency services which also alerts rescue crews to the scene.
A rescue boat has also been launched by Scottish Fire and
Rescue which will allow mercy crews to access the water as quickly as possible via a slipway direct to the loch.
The new life-saving measures follow the installation of flotation devices around the loch and safety signage at strategic points around the beauty spot.
A community access defibrillator is also going to be installed at the Roundhouse Cafe which will be funded through generous donations from the local community and the Fire and Rescue Service.
Doon Valley councillor Drew Filson said: “All of these important measures will contribute to ensuring that anyone coming along to enjoy what is a true jewel in the crown of East Ayrshire in terms of its natural beauty, can do so as safely as possible.”
David Doran, Health and
Safety Manager at East Ayrshire Council, said anyone visiting Loch Doon should treat the water and surrounding areas with respect.
Ian McMeekin, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Office for Ayrshire said: “We have locally trained crews and can call upon specialist resources including rescue boats to respond to emergencies but knowing what to do in the event of an emergency, and having lifesaving equipment to hand, can make a big difference.”
Graeme Dickie, Drax’s Health, Safety and Environment Advisor at the Galloway Hydro Scheme , said: “While Loch Doon has not had a major incident this year, other accidents across Scotland have been a tragic reminder of the danger water poses, so it is vital that visitors read and follow the safety signs.”