Don’t dice with death at rivers this summer

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

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

The latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum show that, in 2018, a total of 263 people lost their lives to unintentional drowning in the UK, of which 46 were in Scotland.

Scottish Water is continuing with its social media campaign #ReservoirSafety and again has a video available to highlight the importance of reservoir safety, which can be viewed at www.scottishwater.co.uk/ reservoirvideo or on YouTube.

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.”

Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows), deep cold water and underwater pipework can present hazards at reservoirs.

The majority of Scottish Water’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor.

Scottish Water’s advice is also targeted at pet owners.

One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives into water, chasing a ball or stick.

The pet more often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, sometimes don’t. Dogs need to be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.