Tag: Water Safety Scotland

Public urged to keep off the ice as temperatures plummet 

Stay off the ice to save your life – that’s the warning from the National Water Safety Forum as the UK experiences a significant cold snap. 

Cold temperatures have led to the freezing over of many inland waters, which can be a risk to life. Although frozen lakes, ponds, canals, rivers and lochs may look enticing, ice can be extremely unpredictable – it is impossible to tell how thick it is or if it can bear weight.  

The warning comes in the wake of several fatalities in recent years, where sadly people lost their lives after falling through ice. 

The National Water Safety Forum is aiming to educate the public about the dangers of frozen and icy waters and promote informed, safe outdoor activities during the colder months to prevent further tragedies. With some schools closing due to weather conditions, parents and carers are encouraged to share the warning with young people. 

Professor Mike Tipton, Chair of the National Water Safety Forum, said: “Icy conditions present a unique set of risks and frozen waterways are a serious threat to life, increasing the chance of an accidental immersion and cold shock, which can kill in seconds.

“As with all risks, a little knowledge and consideration can make a lifesaving difference: the NWSF is providing this knowledge.”   

Gavin Ellis, Water Safety Lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “Our message is simple: please stay off frozen lakes, rivers and canals.

“Ice is never safe, and what looks like fun can quickly turn into a life-threatening emergency. We urge parents and carers to speak to children about the dangers and help keep them safe this winter.” 

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water this winter, the National Water Safety Forum is urging everyone to follow this essential advice: 

  • Stay off the ice – ice thickness and water depth are variable and unpredictable 
  • Keep back from the edge – fallen leaves or snow might obscure the boundary, whilst ice makes things slippery underfoot 
  • Always supervise children – talk to them about the dangers of ice and never let them play on or near frozen water 
  • Keep dogs on a lead – prevent dogs from venturing onto the ice and don’t throw balls or sticks onto frozen water for them to fetch  

What do in an emergency: 

If someone falls through the ice: 

  • Do not go onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue – instead, phone 999 immediately 
  • Tell the person in the water to stay calm and float on their back 
  • Look for nearby rescue equipment to throw, or try to reach them from solid ground with a branch or pole 
  • Try to keep your eyes on the person in the water at all times 
  • If you are able to get the person out safely, keep them warm with dry clothing and/ or shelter until the emergency services arrive 

If a dog falls through the ice: 

  • Do not attempt a direct rescue – instead, encourage your pet to swim back to you so that you can lift them out 
  • If your pet cannot reach you, use a branch or pole to reach them without venturing onto the ice. 

If you fall through the ice: 

  • Float on your back until you feel calm 
  • Shout for help when your breathing is under control 
  • Try to climb out by spreading your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you and pulling yourself out slowly 
  • If you cannot climb out, continue to float with your head clear of the water and wait for the emergency services. 

Water Safety Scotland issues ice safety advice  

As colder weather conditions remain, Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is issuing a warning about the dangers that frozen-over bodies of water present. 

WSS aims to prevent fatalities and accidents and to alert the public that most ice-related incidents are preventable with the correct knowledge and behaviour. 

Carlene McAvoy, from Water Safety Scotland, said: “We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the benefits it brings, but it’s important to do so safely and with awareness. One key risk we want to highlight is the danger posed by frozen bodies of water. 

“While ice can appear solid and inviting, there’s no way to know if it can support your weight or how deep the water is beneath. For this reason, we’re urging people to stay well clear of frozen water, keep children away, and ensure dogs are kept on leads.” 

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Head of Prevention said: “We don’t want your winter walk to end in tragedy so please avoid going near frozen water when you are out with loved ones and pets. 

“Falling through ice could be fatal. While ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person or dog to fall through, potentially becoming trapped under the ice. 

“Pets should be kept on leads and owners should avoid throwing objects onto the ice for them to retrieve. 

“If anyone does get into difficulty on the ice, do not attempt to rescue them. Dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, then wait for help to arrive.” 

This is the key advice from Water Safety Scotland: 

  • Most importantly, stay off the ice. Never be tempted to venture onto ice – you have no way of knowing how thick it is and how cold and deep the water beneath is. The water beneath could also be fast-flowing. Don’t ever risk it. 
  • Keep a safe distance from the edge. Fallen leaves or snow could obscure the water’s true boundary. 
  • Stick to well-lit areas – the reduction in daylight in the winter adds to risks around water 
  • Check for safety signage. This can help inform you of hazards in that area you may not be aware of. 
  • Always supervise children. Just a moment’s distraction could have serious consequences for a curious child. 
  • Keep dogs on leads. Otherwise, they could end up on the ice and in danger. Also don’t throw sticks and balls for dogs near ice. If your dog falls through the ice, don’t go in for your dog – encourage the dog to swim over to you or use a branch or pole to pull them out without venturing onto the ice.  

If you fall through the ice: 

  • Float on your back with your arms and legs extended until you can control your breathing  
  • Stay calm and call for help if possible  
  • Look for something to hold onto to help yourself out the water 

If you encounter someone who has fallen through ice: 

  • Call 999 and request the assistance of the emergency services  
  • Remain calm and give clear, accurate information about the situation and location 
  • Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself 

To support communities to share and display this advice in their local areas, WSS have developed ice safety resources such as posters, a leaflet and social media assets which are available from the WSS website to download and use. 

These are free of charge and available to everyone. The resources can be accessed here. 

wss-staying-safe-in-winter-leafletDownload

Water Safety Scotland to host free fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores

  • Free water safety event returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Friday July 25, 2025
  • Event supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables

Water Safety Scotland has announced the return of its annual World Drowning Prevention Day event, taking place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch.

The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities.

Now in its fourth year, the event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, Water Safety Scotland is warning that continued vigilance is essential.

The event is supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code
  • Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
  • Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
  • Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: “Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

“Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.”

The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.

Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown, said: “With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland’s Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency.

“Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency.

“My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.

“With Scotland’s abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.”

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “Alongside our partner agencies, we welcome the reduction in water-related deaths in 2024, but we cannot overstate the importance of continued vigilance, especially as the weather improves over the summer months.

“Even on the warmest days, rivers and lochs in the National Park remain cold enough to trigger Cold Water Shock, and hidden hazards and unexpected depths can catch out even strong swimmers.

“That’s why planning ahead is so important and why we’re so pleased to welcome World Drowning Prevention Day event back to the National Park this summer, reflecting our year-round partnership with Water Safety Scotland to deliver a consistent, collaborative approach to policy and public engagement.

“We look forward to speaking with members of the public on the day about the importance of following the Loch Lomond Byelaws and Water Safety Code – offering advice and support on how these measures are there to help prevent accidents before they happen. 

“We want everyone to respect the water and enjoy the National Park this summer, but do it safely: respect the byelaws, follow the simple, life‑saving advice (Float to live), and look out for one another.”

For more information, visit: www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk

Water Safety Scotland: Young men most likely to drown despite drop in water-related deaths across Scotland

‘REAL PROGRESS – BUT NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY’

  • 2024 saw a total of 78 water-related fatalities recorded in 2024, which marks the lowest level recorded since 2018
  • 33 of these were accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
  • 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
  • Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use.

Water fatality statistics in Scotland reveals that men, particularly those aged 20 to 29, are at risk of drowning compared to other groups. According to fresh data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), men accounted for 82 per cent of all accidental water-related deaths in Scotland in 2024.

While the overall number of water-related fatalities fell to 78 in 2024, the lowest level since 2018, recent statistics from 2024 suggest that young men are disproportionately affected. The Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) dashboard also provides more specific and in-depth live data, which is updated monthly.

According to the published WAID figures, of the 33 accidental deaths, over half (55 per cent) occurred in coastal waters – a shift from the historical trend of inland waterway incidents. Recreational activities were involved in 46 per cent of these fatalities, and April emerged as the deadliest month.

Encouragingly, overall drownings and accidental drownings are at their lowest levels in Scotland, the accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60 per 100,000 people, continuing a downward trend

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA’s Senior Policy Manager, said: “This year’s figures show real progress; water-related fatalities in Scotland are at their lowest levels. However, this is not a time for complacency, as every water-related fatality is a tragedy.

“Last year’s data show that young men were the most affected, with coastal waters currently the most common location for deaths, so we must continue to focus our efforts to address these concerns with targeted safety messages and interventions.

“Fortunately, introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) in May 2023 has helped to improve the quality and clarity of fatality data, reducing the number of “not recorded” outcomes and has provided deeper insights into incident causes, which we will continue to use to help identify risk factors now and in the future.”

Key findings from the 2024 WAID (Water Incident Database) report:

  • 33 accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
  • 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
  • Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use
  • Coastal waters accounted for 55% of accidental fatalities, overtaking inland waterways for the first time in recent years
  • April was the deadliest month for accidental fatalities
  • The accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60, continuing a positive downward trend
  • Only two cases involved drugs or alcohol, suggesting other behavioural or situational factors are more significant

Community Safety Minister Siobhain Brown said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends who have lost a loved one in a drowning accident.

“I encourage everyone to protect themselves and others when in and around the water and to be aware that water temperature can vary drastically, as can currents and tides. It’s well worth learning the Water Safety Code and using the resources of Water Safety Scotland so people can stay safe and prevent accidents in our waters.”

Water Safety Scotland continues to promote water safety through its assets, including free education resources for teachers and practitioners and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.

As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three-part Water Safety Code:

  • Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
  • Stay Together, Stay Close
  • In an Emergency, Call 999
Scotland water-related fatalities2024
Accident/natural causes suspected33
Crime suspected2
Inconclusive4
Suicide suspected*39
Total78

Life-saving data tool launched in Scotland

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has launched its groundbreaking Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) Dashboard, providing an unprecedented tool to analyse and prevent water-related fatalities in Scotland.

The DIR, developed by RoSPA and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, reviews all accidental drownings in Scotland and offers detailed data to guide local and national prevention efforts.

The new DIR Dashboard will allow stakeholders to access vital data on drowning incidents, contributory factors, and post-incident measures. This tool will significantly enhance Scotland’s ability to take a targeted approach to preventing water emergencies.

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and DIR co-author, said:
“The DIR enables us to take a focused approach to preventing water-based fatalities with data that was never previously available before in Scotland.

“The new DIR Dashboard will provide even greater access to critical information, allowing us to better understand and address the causes of drowning. This will be particularly useful for both national and local efforts in prevention”.

The DIR Dashboard offers stakeholders access to comprehensive drowning data, helping to inform water safety measures and prevention strategies. By visualising and analysing key factors, the tool will support both local and national efforts to reduce water-related deaths.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The Procurator Fiscal is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, accidental, or unexplained deaths in Scotland.

“The purpose of each investigation is to establish the circumstances and cause of the death and to identify any preventable dangers to life and the safety of the public.

“We welcome the introduction of the Drowning and Incident (DIR) Dashboard and will continue to support this process, and any other measures intended to reduce the numbers of accidental drownings in Scotland.”

Station Commander James Sullivan, SFRS’ Lead Officer for Water Safety Scotland and Co-author of DIR said: “DIR is a unique process that provides an opportunity to understand contributory factors and events leading up to a water emergency that enables targeted prevention efforts across Scotland. 

“DIR is the result of innovative and collaborative working that would not have been possible without the commitment and influence of Water Safety Scotland’s members.”

The DIR Dashboard goes live today, offering users an accessible platform for viewing data on drowning incidents and preventative measures. More information is available via the Water Safety Scotland website.

Water Safety Scotland: Water-based deaths at lowest since 2018

Water-related fatalities are at their lowest level since 2018, according to Water Safety Scotland’s latest annual trend report, which contains analysis of data from the Water Incident Database(WAID).

The report also shows that water-related fatalities decreased during 2023 (94) when compared to 2022 (96) andprovides detail on historical and baseline data in comparison  to Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy (SDPS).

The WAID Database is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum and gathers information related to water-based incidents.

Water Safety Scotland is a voluntary association of organisations and individuals whose main purpose is to understand the risks around water in Scotland and engage with partners to develop a consistent approach to the prevention of water related fatalities.

The Steering Group of Water Safety Scotland is represented by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Police Scotland and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. This variety of representation is intended to give a broad and balanced view of the strategic direction and leadership of WSS.

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of WSS and the Data Subgroup Chair, said: “We expected to see accidental deaths rise as not recorded has decreased due to the improved dataset via the Drowning and Incident Review.  However, we have actually seen a decrease in accidental fatalities in 2023.

“The recent figures for overall water-related fatalities shows a decrease – bringing the number of overall water-related fatalities down to its lowest level since 2018, when we saw 78 fatalities.

“Accidental water-related fatalities are also below the SDPS average via the introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR), a pioneering process created in Scotland which aims to gather all relevant data and information in order to systematically and rigorously review each accidental water-related incident with a view to preventing a future occurrence”.

Water Safety Scotland continues to promote water safety through its assets including free education resources for teachers and practitioners and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.

As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three part Water Safety Code:

  • Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
  • Stay Together, Stay Close
  • In an Emergency, Call 999

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Figures showing water related deaths are at their lowest since 2018 should be welcomed but we cannot be complacent. Any death is one too many and leaves a devastating impact on victim’s families and surrounding communities.

“The Scottish Government continues to take water safety very seriously. Through the Water Safety Action Plan we are taking a range of measures including improving awareness through training for children and young people and improving signage around Scotland’s open water.

“We would encourage everyone to follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency.”

Charity urges focus on water safety as child drownings in England double over last four years

National charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), shares data[1] that accidental drowning deaths amongst children have doubled since 2019-20 as its annual water safety education campaign begins.

The data shows the number of child drowning deaths in England has significantly increased from 20 in 2019-20, to 41 in 2022-23. Tragically, a total of 125 children have accidentally lost their lives to drowning in the last four years.

With England reporting an alarming increase in child drowning fatalities, RLSS UK is urging everyone to learn the Water Safety Code though its video animation as part of its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign, taking place from 15-22 June 2024.

Targeted at young children and families, the national water safety education campaign aims to ensure as many people as possible are equipped with vital lifesaving knowledge to allow them to enjoy water safely this summer.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “The alarming increase in tragic child drowning deaths in England highlights just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to make the right decisions around water.

“We are urging parents to stay vigilant in, on and around water, both at home and when spending time outdoors and to have the water safety conversation with their children.

“With warmer summer days on the horizon, we will inevitably see people flock to open water sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as taking opportunities to enjoy water at home in the garden. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy water this summer by having the knowledge to do so safely.

“More than half of child drownings occur in June, July and August, and Drowning Prevention Week works to equip families with the appropriate skills and knowledge to enjoy water safely during the summer months and beyond.”

During the 2023 campaign, RLSS UK materials and resources were used to educate over 1.85 million children in vital water safety knowledge and skills.

Matt Croxall added: “For this year’s Drowning Prevention Week campaign, we are looking to educate even more young people on water safety, providing children with the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.”

For Drowning Prevention Week, RLSS UK has a range of free new and updated educational resources available on its website for children, including lesson plans for schools and downloadable resources for parents, as well as an engaging video animation to support families in learning the Water Safety Code.

For more information around Drowning Prevention Week, please visit our website at www.rlss.org.uk/dpw.

Follow us on Instagram and X – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages – facebook.com/RLSSUK 

Stay off the ice to save your life says Water Safety Scotland

Stay off the ice to save your life, that’s the message from Water Safety Scotland (WSS) ahead of the colder months.

The message comes as temperatures in the region have plummeted in recent days, meaning some bodies of water like lochs have frozen over. While frozen waters can provide youngsters a tempting place to play, and walkers with a picturesque view, they can be deadly.

The warning comes after high profile tragedy in Birmingham in 2022 when four young boys died after walking on a lake and falling into icy waters.

WSS has a wealth of free water safety resources on its website, which can be accessed by the public, schools and businesses. These include downloadable posters, leaflets and social media assets. Schools and colleges are encouraged to explore and use the ice-safety workshop, suitable for people of all ages. 

Carlene McAvoy, from WSS, said: “The great outdoors is beautiful in winter, but we want to ensure people enjoy it in a safe and informed way by knowing about the dangers of ice.

“Frozen water can be tempting to walk on, but there is just no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight or how deep the water is beneath.

“We urge people to keep themselves and their children away from frozen water, and if dog-walking, to always keep your pet on a lead. Tragically, many past incidents have involved attempted rescues of another person or dog in trouble on frozen water.”

This is the key advice from WSS:

  • Most importantly, stay off the ice. Never be tempted to venture onto ice – you have no way of knowing how thick it is and how cold and deep the water beneath is. The water beneath could also be fast-flowing. Don’t ever risk it.
  • Keep a safe distance from the edge. Fallen leaves or snow could obscure the water’s true boundary.
  • Check for safety signage. This can help inform you of hazards in that area you may not be aware of.
  • Always supervise children. Just a moment’s distraction could have serious consequences for a curious child.
  • Keep dogs on leads. Otherwise they could end up on the ice and in danger. Also don’t throw sticks and balls for dogs near ice.

If you do encounter someone who has fallen through ice:

  • Call 999 and request the assistance of the emergency services
  • Remain calm and give clear, accurate information about the situation and location
  • Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself.

Carlene continued: “To support communities to share and display this advice in their local areas, perhaps in areas known as ‘hot-spots’ for ice, WSS has developed ice safety resources such as posters, a leaflet and social media assets which are available from the WSS website to download and use.

“These are free of charge and available to everyone.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander James Sullivan added: “Every year our operational crews are called to assist people who have got into difficulty after venturing onto frozen water.

“The truth is that it is never a good idea to walk onto frozen water – especially with children.

“It’s also important for dog owners to avoid throwing sticks or balls near ice.

“If your pet does get into trouble on the ice, do not attempt a rescue yourself– dial 999 and try to remain calm while providing accurate information to our highly trained Operations Control staff.”

WSS would like to encourage those wishing to access these resources to follow this link to download these resources to get those key messages about ice safety out to members of the public this winter.

Tomorrow: Water Safety Open Day

Looking for an action-packed day out for the whole family? Join us at Scotland’s only Water Safety Open Day, Tuesday 25th July at the Helix in Falkirk!

Water Safety Scotland, in collaboration with The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Water, Falkirk Council, Scottish Canals, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), is hosting a Water Safety Open Day in support of the third World Drowning Prevention Day. The event takes place at Helix Park, Falkirk on July 25, 2023, between 11am – 4pm and is free to attend.

The theme of this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day, facilitated by The World Health Organization (WHO), builds on last year’s “Do one thing” for drowning prevention and suggests a series of calls to action, namely “Do one thing, improve one thing, ask one thing” to prevent drowning.

At the Water Safety Scotland event, members of the public are invited to visit information and activity stands and watch and participate in water rescue demonstrations.

A fun programme of activities includes free facepainting, beat the goalie, cold water challenge, as well as throwline and bandaging challenges. There will be the chance to win some prizes on the day too.

The aim of the day is to raise awareness of safety in and around water and promote the water safety code and other work done by WSS. This includes water safety school resources, local approaches to water safety through Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) groups and enhanced data capture in Scotland through the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR).

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown said: “I welcome the opportunity to support the UN’s World Drowning Prevention Day. We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by waterways that can appear tempting during hot weather so this family friendly event is vital to provide key safety messages to people.

“It is critically important people exercise extreme caution if venturing into open water and everyone heed all the safety advice as entering any waterway has an element of risk and can have tragic consequences.

“The Scottish Government takes the issue of water safety very seriously and we are committed to continuing to work closely with all relevant organisations to help reduce harm and raise awareness around this vital issue.”

Carlene McAvoy, Secretariat and Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: “Supporting World Drowning Prevention Day through this public event is extremely important given the fact that on average 96 people drown in Scotland each year.

“If we can reach many people in Scotland with our water safety guidance through events such as the water safety open day, we can help to reduce the number of drownings in Scotland.

“Our event is underpinned by our key message – the Water Safety Code. We want to provide life-saving information and advice in a fun and memorable way to help people in Scotland have a positive and safe experience in and around water.”  

The Water Safety Open Day is free and open to all, and will be hosted at Helix Park, Falkirk on Monday 25 July 2023 – 11am – 4pm.

Come along, have some fun & learn all things #WaterSafety!

#DrowningPreventionDay

More info: watersafetyscotland.org.uk/about/water-safety-open-day/