Summer water alert by police
Stay safe aroundTay islands message
Residents living along the River Tay and other stretches of water have been told to be aware of the dangers involved before they go swimming this summer.
With the schools now on holiday, the area’s police commander CI Graham Binnie moved to warn people about the dangers they could face if they venture out into open water.
He said the warning was “particularly pertinent” for those who might want to swim out to the islands along the Tay in Perth.
Youths can often be seen jumping into the river in the city despite the strong currents during the summer.
And last year a 12-year-old boy from Glasgow died when he got into difficulties in the Tay near Stanley.
CI Binnie said: “As we spend more time outdoors, we must consider risks to safety so here are a few tips to help have a safe and enjoyable summer.
“Everyone wants to see our countryside and enjoy our waterways and coastline particularly with swimming pools being closed.
“But please remember, any area of water, including reservoirs, canals and rivers can hold hidden dangers and this is particularly pertinent for those who might wish to swim to the islands found on the Tay as it passes through Perth.
“And with many stretches of water in the county being located in remote areas, help will often be some considerable time away, so take responsibility for your own actions and make sensible decisions to stay safe around waterways.”
CI Binne advised people to “be responsible”.
Advice includes:
• Being aware of the dangers when out hillwalking, cycling or near areas of water. Think about the risks and plan to minimise them.
• Never underestimating the current, temperature or depth when in water.
• Never get into the water alone and don’t go swimming after drinking alcohol.
• If you get in trouble in water, float to live.
Perth-based SSE Renewables and the Scottish Canoe Association also urged people to stay safe on the water as lockdown lifts.
SSE Renewables hydro power stations are found all across the north of Scotland and are often visited by locals and tourists who canoe on the water.
Stuart Smith, Scottish Canoe Association’s CEO, said: “I know how much paddlers want to get out on the water now some of the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
“The most important thing before setting off is to be sure you know the risks, evaluate them and then put measures in place to avoid them.”