SAFETY is always vital when around water and Borderers are being reminded by Scottish Water to be extra cautious during hot weather when there is the temptation of cooling down in local rivers, burns and reservoirs, writes Flora Colton.
Peter Farrer, of Scottish Water, said: “While it’s important that people enjoy the good weather and take pleasure in the country’s beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s also vital that they stay safe.
“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.”
David Walker, leisure safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “In previous years, the number of accidental drownings inland has peaked during hot spells.
“We want people to be out and about enjoying the weather and ideally swimming at properly-supervised sites, such as the swimming pool.”
On Saturday, a 23-year-old man, Nicholas Smith, died after jumping into a waterfall at a Glasgow park.
Each year, there are more accidental drowning deaths in inland waters than in any other types.
In 2010, there were 420 water-related deaths from accidents or natural causes across the UK, more than half (217) occurred in inland waters such as rivers, canals, lakes, lochs, reservoirs and ponds.
For more information on water safety, phone Scottish Water’s customer helpline 0845 601 8855 or go to www.scottishwater.co.uk/takecare