Don’t risk your life to cool off this summer – that’s the warning to people as temperatures continue to soar in East Dunbartonshire.
Quarries, reservoirs, rivers, canals and lochs may look inviting on a hot summer’s day, but they contain potentially deadly hazards, including:
- Deep, cold water
- Submerged abandoned machinery and vehicles
- Underwater ledges and recesses
- Hidden currents and tunnels
- Submerged plants
- Dead animals and waste.
There has been a particular issue at Mugdock Country Park, which is working with Police Scotland to clamp down on dangerous behaviour around areas of water.
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are aware of the risks and not putting themselves in danger during sunny spells.
Joint Council Leader, Councillor Vaughan Moody, said, “Please don’t take chances around areas of water in East Dunbartonshire. They can look tempting during periods of extended sunny weather, but they are potentially deadly – no matter what age you are.”
Joint Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Polson, said, “We are working with Police Scotland to discourage people from accessing prohibited areas, such as quarries, but it is an issue at this time of year. We would appeal to members of our communities to help spread the safety message – please don’t put your life at risk.”
Figures from the National Water Safety Forum show that, in 2017, a total of 255 people lost their lives to unintentional drowning in the UK, 46 of which were in Scotland.
For more information on staying safe in the water, visit Scottish water
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