Scottish Water is calling on people to stay safe around watercourses this winter.
The public utiity is advising people to be vigilant and not to take risks around freezing cold rivers, reservoirs and lochs. The firm is reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking adults to act responsibly around watercourses.
People 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.
Scottish Water is 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 also 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 play safe this winter.”
Scottish Water’s safety message is being supported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
Christie Burnett, community safety project officer for RoSPA Scotland, said: “RoSPA encourages everyone, particularly children, to get out and about and enjoy the wintry weather.
“But we also urge caution around frozen water. In 2014, there were unfortunately 40 accidental deaths in Scotland due to drowning or submersion.
“We know that it can be tempting to play or walk on frozen water, but there is simply no way of knowing whether it is going to hold your weight. If you are out walking, please take care around the edges of lochs, reservoirs and rivers.
“We encourage parents to educate their children about the potentially-deadly dangers of walking on frozen water, as children are among those most at risk.
“Further winter safety advice is available at www.rospa.com.”
Police back Stay Safe call
Police Scotland is also reinforcing Scottish Water’s safety message. Chief Superintendent Paul Main, from National Safer Communities, said, “We all want to enjoy the Scottish countryside and waterways at this time of year, but people need to be informed about the hidden dangers that they hold, to ensure that they remain safe when outdoors.
“Holiday periods are a particularly busy time for all of the emergency services and those who volunteer to assist us. With more than 37,000 separate stretches of inland water in Scotland, some of which are very remote, it can often take a considerable amount of time for help to arrive, to assist anyone in difficulty.
“I would advise everyone to be aware of the natural hazards around them and explain these to their children. Please plan your outings in advance to minimise the risks, dress appropriately for the weather conditions and stay safe this winter.”
Protect your pets
One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet experiences difficulties after diving in to water, chasing a ball or stick. The pet more often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, may not.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Anyone who spots an animal in distress in water this winter, be that a domestic pet, livestock or wildlife, should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
“If it is an emergency situation, such as when a pet has fallen through ice, then the owner should call the fire and rescue service and wait for assistance.
“We always urge dog owners to keep their pets on a lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. While it may be able to hold the weight of a dog, it is unlikely to hold the weight of a human.
“Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences. We’re keen to make sure both animals and owners stay safe this winter.”
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
