Tag: Water Safety Scotland

Water Safety Scotland issues ice safety advice

As temperatures in Scotland head in a downward trajectory, Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is issuing a warning about the dangers that frozen-over water bodies present.

WSS aims to prevent needless deaths and accidents, and also to alert the public that the majority of the ice-related incidents involve children or dog walkers.

Jen Foley from Water Safety Scotland, said: “We encourage people to get out and about to enjoy frosty walks in the crisp cold air, but ice-related drownings are entirely and easily preventable.

“Frozen water can look tempting, but there is just no way of knowing whether it will hold your weight or how deep the water is beneath. We are urging people to keep themselves and their children off of frozen water, as well as keeping their dogs on leads.

“If dog-walkers don’t wish to keep their dogs on leads, then we advise keeping ball- or stickthrowing to areas away from frozen water. Tragically, many past incidents have involved attempted rescues of another person or dog in trouble on or in frozen water.”

If you do encounter someone who has fallen through ice:

  • Call the emergency services by dialling 999
  • The emergency services will need to know where you are. Accurate information can
  • save precious minutes. If you have a smart phone and have location services or map
  • tool enabled, this can help. If not look around for any landmarks or signs – for
  • example bridges will often have numbers on them which can identify their location
  • Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself
  • Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy
  • Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch
  • Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying
  • down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in
  • If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and
  • push that out to them
  • Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue, continue to reassure
  • the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives
  • Once the person has been rescued, keep them warm and take them to hospital even if they appear to be unaffected

As well as frozen-over water, WSS also want to urge the public to be aware of icy conditions which can make surfaces slippery and unstable, meaning the likelihood of slips, trips and falls is increased.

Take extra caution when visiting coastlines and walking near cliff edges as icy conditions will make surfaces slippery.

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

Three boys died after falling into the lake at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull on Sunday afternoon (11 December).

The boys, aged 11, 10 and 8 were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water. Sadly, they could not be revived. A fourth boy, aged 6, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Water Safety Scotland urges the public to be safe around water

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is urging the public to stay safe around Scotland’s waterways during the current heatwave.

As temperatures continue to stay high, WSS is calling on people to follow the Water Safety Code. While it can be tempting to enter the water in warmer weather, sudden immersion can lead to Cold Water Shock (CWS).

CWS can affect even the strongest swimmers as it overwhelms the ability to breathe and to swim, which can lead to drowning. 

With more hot weather on the way, it is important to learn how to keep safe around water, follow local safety guidance and to avoid alcohol on and near waterways.

Last year, 58 people sadly lost their lives to accidental drowning in Scotland; the majority of which were in inland open waterways such as rivers, canals and lochs (67 per cent).

To help reduce drowning fatalities, Water Safety Scotland is highlighting the Water Safety Code and the new UK campaign, Respect the Water (which is due for release on July 25, 2022).

The Water Safety Code is an easy-to-remember three-step code, and provides some life-saving advice that aims to help keep you and those you are with safe when near open water:

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

Later on in the month, Water Safety Scotland will be hosting a free Water Safety Open Day at Helix Park, Falkirk to support the second annual World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2022, between 11am – 3pm. 

At the event, the local communities around Scotland are invited to visit information and activity stands, and watch various demonstrations. The Helix Park Lagoon will offer opportunities for the public to watch the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS), the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Police rescue capabilities, as well as Newfoundland rescue dogs in action and other demonstrations.

A spokesperson for Water Safety Scotland said: “It is important in the hot weather to resist the temptation to enter cold water. Although the air temperature is hot, waterways in Scotland are very cold and entering them can lead to Cold Water Shock.

“Water Safety Scotland’s key message is to follow the Water Safety Code. This code provides lifesaving information and we urge the public to learn the code and teach their families and friends about it.”

The Water Safety Code can be accessed online here: 

https://www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/information/water-safety-code/

Water-based deaths increased in 2021 from previous year, reports Water Incident Database

The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID) indicate that in Scotland there was an increase in water-related fatalities in 2021.

The database, which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) and focuses on gathering information related to water-based incidents, also revealed a marked rise in accidental drownings last year, too. The released figures from 2021, show that there were 58 accidental water-related fatalities in Scotland, and form part of the total water-related fatalities in the country which stands at 105 for last year.

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has released its annual trend report which details the latest figures in comparison to Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy (SDPS) and the previous year’s data.

Carlene McAvoy, Water Safety Scotland’s Data Subgroup Chair, said: “Unfortunately we have seen an increase in water-related fatalities from the average number usually seen in Scotland. 

“The recent figures for accidental water-related fatalities show a 16 per cent increase in comparison to the SDPS baseline – bringing accidental water-related fatalities to their highest point for the last five years.”

Water Safety Scotland and its partners have responded to the tragedies that occurred in 2021 by releasing an Interim Review of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy which monitors the changes that have occurred from the original release of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy (SDPS) in 2018.

It also maps out the planning of future actions and objectives to help reduce the number of water-related accidental fatalities in and around the waters of Scotland.

The Minister for Community Safety, Ash Regan, has also released a Water Safety Action Plan, which acts to complement the strategy.

In a bid to counteract the rise in water-based incidents, and ahead of the summer, Water Safety Scotland is urging people to be safe and follow their three-part Water Safety Code:

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

Expanding on this advice, free education resources have also been released by WSS and Education Scotland prior to the summer break to assist teachers and practitioners by providing key lifesaving information to students in schools. These resources are free to use and are age and stage-appropriate. Linked intrinsically to the water safety code, more resources for all levels will be released over the summer and autumn.

Michael Avril, Chair of Water Safety Scotland, said: “The figures released today are a reminder that the work undertaken by WSS and its partners is vitally important. WSS will continue to work in partnership to prevent water-related fatalities by working with communities and national partners for a consistent approach across Scotland. Drowning is preventable and together we can help prevent future water-related fatalities and ensure that people have a safe and positive experience around our waterways”

Water Safety Scotland launches new education resources for schools

Water Safety Scotland (WSS), in partnership with Education Scotland, has officially launched its first instalment of free water safety educational resources for schools and practitioners in Scotland.

Water Safety Scotland, which is committed to reducing accidental drowning deaths in Scotland by 50 per cent by 2026, introduced the initiative to provide a consistent level of learning across Scotland’s educational institutions in a bid to equip Scottish youth with the knowledge and skills required to reduce water-based accidents.

Laura Erskine, Water Safety Scotland’s Education Subgroup Chair, said: “On average, there are 96 water-related fatalities in Scotland each year. We aim to reduce the number of deaths from accidental drowning by 50 per cent by 2026 by driving a generational change in water safety in Scotland.

“We want to encourage safe and responsible access to Scotland’s waterways, which can be a positive and enjoyable experience for young people when coupled with appropriate risk awareness and education.”

The materials aim to provide consistent and curriculum-aligned information which feeds into a full progression pathway created specifically for water safety in Scotland. Starting from children aged 3, the resource set will instruct and inform young people right up to the age of 18 and has been endorsed by a wealth of supporting partner agencies.

Gayle Gorman, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said: “Every year we hear of tragic accidents taking place in Scotland’s waters as many young people are not aware of the dangers of swimming in open waters.

“That is why we welcomed the opportunity to work with Water Safety Scotland to develop educational materials that aim to increase awareness of water safety. We hope that this information will reach as many children and young people as possible to ensure they are aware of the dangers that come with going into open water.”

Scheduled for a staggered release over the next nine months, the first set of lessons is being released on Tuesday, April 26. Specifically focusing on the Third/Fourth level within the five tiers of the Scottish curriculum, it can be accessed via Education Scotland’s National Hub or through the Water Safety Scotland website.

Intrinsically linked to WSS’ Water Safety Code, which was created to help people enjoy Scotland’s waterways as safely as possible, it follows three key pieces of advice:

•    Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers

•    Stay Together, Stay Close

•    In an Emergency, Call 999.

Education is a key part of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, which has now entered its fifth year. An interim review was published earlier this year and was launched by the Minister for Community Safety, Ash Regan, along with the Ministerial Action Plan for Water Safety.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “I would like to thank Education Scotland, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Water Safety Scotland for their excellent collaborative work in creating this fantastic resource which will help to educate children about keeping themselves and their friends safe around water.

“This is a vital part of the work being taken forward across Scotland to improve public safety, including the recent launch of the Water Safety Action Plan drawn up by the Scottish Government and a range of key partners.”

Water Safety Scotland aims to roll out the next phase of this initiative in late May and will continue this strategy during the rest of 2022.

Fire and Rescue Service issues urgent water safety warning

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe in and around water this summer. The reminder has been issued following the deaths of six people in Scotland’s waterways between Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24. 

This included the recovery of a 16-year-old from the water at Balloch Country Park on Friday, July 23, an 11-year-old from the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse on Saturday, July 24, and a 13-year-old from water at Hazelbank, near Lanark on Sunday, July 25.

On Saturday, July 24, a further three people lost their lives in water near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui. They were a 41-year-old man, 29-year-old woman and a nine year old boy, while a seven year old boy remains in hospital in intensive care.

Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Prevention and Protection.

DACO Perry said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences and those of everyone at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to those affected by this weekend’s tragic events. 

“They are a very sad reminder that Scotland’s waterways can be dangerous, and we are asking everyone to take care and heed all available advice.”

Many people have chosen to visit lochs, rivers, and reservoirs due to the warm weather.

However, despite high temperatures, the water can still be extremely cold and people can get into difficulty due to cold water shock. This can interrupt breathing, cause loss of strength and coordination and affect swimmers of any age, fitness, or experience level.

Scotland’s many waterways can also have hidden dangers such as fast moving currents or obstacles which can also present a risk.

DACO Perry advises: “If you do get into trouble, try to keep calm then control your breathing. Lie on your back, spread out your arms and legs and float or swim. Then shout for help and, if you can, make your way to safety. 

“We would ask that no-one swims alone and that, where you can, have the proper buoyancy and safety equipment. Never leave children or young people unattended and do not mix alcohol with swimming.”

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 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a member of that group.

DACO Perry added: “We are committed to working with our partners and through Water Safety Scotland to educate as many people as possible about the risks involved in swimming or playing in water.

“In coming weeks, we will be conducting more visits to popular areas to engage with swimmers and visitors directly. “I would urge people to visit our website to find out more about how to stay safe.”

For more information on water safety see: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/water-safety.aspx

Water Safety Scotland shows support for World Drowning Prevention Day

Members of Water Safety Scotland have welcomed the first World Drowning Prevention Day which will be held annually on July 25, following  and follows the passing of a Global Resolution on Drowning Prevention by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in April 2021.

The Scottish Government has praised the new water safety initiative. Ash Denham MSP, the Minister for Community Safety, said: “World Drowning Prevention Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about water safety issues and I would like to thank Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA for their continued dedication and hard work.

“The risk of drowning is often overlooked and it is important that people are aware of the dangers so they can enjoy Scotland’s beautiful inland and coastal waters safely and responsibly.”

The historic UN resolution invites member states to take action to prevent drowning fatalities in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2014 recommendation report and subsequent guidance.

Recent estimates from WHO show that globally, approximately 236,000 people drown every year and that drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children and young people aged 1–24-years.

Data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) shows that in Scotland, on average there are 97 water-related fatalities each year. The most recent statistics from 2020 revealed that there were 99 water-related fatalities with 39 due to accidental drowning.*

WHO has coordinated preparations for World Drowning Prevention Day and has invited stakeholders across the world to mark the occasion. Water Safety Scotland fully supports the UN Global Resolution and World Drowning Prevention Day**

Michael Avril, Chair of Water Safety Scotland, said: “Water Safety Scotland is proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day and is looking forward to continuing to work with partners in Scotland to prevent future drowning tragedies.

“Scotland carries a disproportionate burden; the accidental drowning rate is almost double the UK’s average when the relative population is taken into account.

“We want people to enjoy Scotland’s waterways in as safe away as possible and recommend that people follow Scotland’s Water Safety Code in order to help themselves and others stay safe around water.

“The key pieces of advice from the code are to: 

  • Stop and think – spot the dangers
  • Stay together, stay close
  • Know what to do in an emergency.

“Please #RespectTheWater.”

Organisations across Scotland will be participating in a social media campaign highlighting their support for the day and for Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.

Scottish Canals are supporting WHO’s suggestions of “Going Blue for World Drowning Prevention Day”.

The Kelpies, 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures in Falkirk, will be lit up blue on the evening of the July 25 to mark the occasion and show their support as members of Water Safety Scotland and for World Drowning Prevention Day.

Richard Millar, Scottish Canals’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “Scotland’s canals are vibrant green and blue spaces for all to enjoy and connect with nature, whether you are taking to the towpaths by boot or bike, or enjoying the canal by boat or paddle sport.

“It is important that no matter how you choose to enjoy the waterways, that all users are aware of the dangers that canals, reservoirs, and any body of open water can pose. Scottish Canals is proud to be supporting World Drowning Prevention Day and will continue to champion safety messaging from partners and our own #CanalCareful safety campaign to ensure canal users are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.”

Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy is currently in its fourth year, with a review set to be published next spring along with a water safety conference that will be organised in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Respect the Water!

Water Safety Scotland urges people to take precautions as incident data shows an increase in water-related fatalities

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) is urging people across Scotland to ‘Respect the Water’ when visiting and enjoying its waterways and coastlines.

This call comes at a time when the latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), revealed that there were 99 water-related fatalities in Scotland’s waters, with 39 due to accidental drownings in 2020.*

79% of accidental fatalities happened at inland waters. This is a significant change from previous years, which have seen most accidental fatalities happen at the coast.

With drownings across the world currently in the spotlight after the United Nations (UN) recent General Assembly, there are growing concerns emerging with the announcement of these new figures.

As Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2021 is in full swing, WSS is keen to support people getting out and enjoying Scotland’s waterways with safety at the forefront of any activities.

In line with the NWSF ‘Respect the Water’ campaign, WSS is asking members of the public to follow Scotland’s Water Safety Code wherever they are in Scotland, and have, as a result, created a new webpage to support the ‘Respect The Water’ campaign.

WSS highlights the following key pieces of advice in its Water Safety Code:

  • Stop and think – spot the dangers
  • Stay together, stay close
  • Know what to do in an emergency

Michael Avril, Chair of Water Safety Scotland said: “Every fatality in Scotland massively impacts the persons friends and family and we at Water Safety Scotland will continue to do everything within our powers to prevent future tragedies.

“2020 was an exceptionally difficult year in so many ways and the increased number of drowning fatalities may have been caused by a number of factors.  Water Safety Scotland will continue to work in partnership to carry out prevention activity and to better understand the causes of these tragedies.

“We ask everyone to come together in Scotland to support the #RespectTheWater campaign and follow Scotland’s Water Safety code.”

With Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy in its fourth year, the four-year review of the strategy will be published next spring along with a planned RoSPA Water Safety Conference.

This year’s WAID statistics also includes a fatality figure from suspected suicides. The figure for Scotland in 2020 was 28, with the Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy average being 29.

Rachel Cackett, Executive Director for Samaritans Scotland and chair of the Water Safety Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Subgroup, said: “Suicide accounts for around 1 in 3 water-related fatalities in Scotland every year. Working to understand and reduce the risks of suicidal behaviour around Scotland’s waterways is important both for suicide prevention policy and for realising the overall aims of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.

“Today’s figures are a reminder that it’s vital we continue to work with partners across national and local government, health, emergency and first response services, and the third and voluntary sector to develop knowledge and insight around suicidal behaviour around water-ways, and that we carry on working together to strengthen prevention and intervention.”

To view and download the WAID 2020 report visit: 

https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/waid/annual-reports-and-data/

To view WSS’s annual trend report visit: 

https://www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/media/1758/waid-2020-trend-report.pdf