BANKIES are being urged to stay safe and not take risks around rivers, reservoirs and lochs this summer.
Scottish Water is calling on children and parents to take particular care during the summer holidays and any spells of warm weather this year.
Latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum show that, in 2018, a total of 46 people lost their lives to unintentional drowning in Scotland.
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.
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“Safety is a serious issue as, although the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is 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, deep cold water and underwater pipework can present real hazards at reservoirs.
And 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.
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