Water holiday safety warning given to parents and youngsters

Jul 3 2009 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

YOUNGSTERS and parents are being reminded to play it safe around rivers, reservoirs, lochs and streams during the summer holidays.

Anne Marie Dewar of Scottish Water is concerned people may be risking their lives as they attempt to cool off in the hot weather.

She said: “While it’s important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people across Scotland take pleasure in the country’s beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s also vital that they stay safe.

“Already this year we’ve seen temperatures soaring and hopefully there’s more sunny weather on the way over the next couple of months. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but we are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking adults to act responsibly around watercourses.”

Peter Cornall from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents added: “If you choose to go to an unsupervised location to swim you should have the skills to assess the many water hazards and know what to do if anyone gets into difficulty.

“Remember that even on a hot day the water might be a lot colder than you were expecting and there may be strong currents and underwater debris that you cannot see from the bank.

“Be honest about your swimming ability and remember that alcohol and swimming do not mix.”

Children should never swim alone at unsupervised locations. Each year, there are more accidental drowning deaths in inland waters than in any other type of water.

It is vital parents explain the dangers to their children and adults themselves should set a good example. Even strong swimmers can quickly succumb to waters which may be colder than they look.

During the summer holidays people are also more likely to seek exercise, both for themselves and their family pet.

One of the biggest concerns is when dog owners try to save a pet that dives in after a ball or stick. The dog usually survives such incidents but the owners may not.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Extra care should always be taken when your dog is near water. Generally speaking dogs are good swimmers but strong currents or fast moving water can result in an animal getting into difficulty

“We are often called to rescue exhausted animals from rivers and canals after they have jumped in and are unable to get back out. The safest approach is to keep your dog on the lead near water.”