Scottish Water is calling on people to stay safe around watercourses during the cold weather and icy conditions.
We are advising people to be vigilant and not to take risks around freezing cold reservoirs, rivers and lochs.
Scottish Water doesn’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.
People should not walk on frozen water and should not go too close to the edge because they could slip and fall in. Dogs also need to be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.
We are also advising people about the hidden dangers in reservoirs across Scotland and urging them to be particularly careful if they visit one.
Reservoirs are man-made features which, because of their purpose, have unique dangers such as dams, spillways (overflows) and hidden water intakes (underwater pipe work that takes water out of the reservoir) and other hazards common to natural bodies of water, for example reeds, strong currents, steep banks and deep cold water.
Also, as the majority of Scottish Water’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, there is a lack of immediate assistance. For these reasons, and in the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming or diving in any of its reservoirs.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Natural hazards can lurk beneath the surface, where children and adults can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud. As the majority of reservoirs are remote, there is a lack of immediate assistance. Safety education is a priority. Please stay safe near watercourses at any time of year and, in particular, during the sub-zero temperatures and cold weather we are experiencing.”
If Scottish Water customers would like more information they can contact our Customer Helpline on 0800 0778778 or visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/takecare.
Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice. Follow us on Twitter @scottish_water and Facebook www.facebook.com/scottishwater
