Play safe message for the strath
Youngsters and parents in Badenoch and Strathpsey are being reminded to play it safe around rivers, reservoirs and lochs as the school summer holidays begin this Friday.
Joanna Peebles, Scottish Water's Communities Manager for the region, is concerned people might take unnecessary risks during the summer holidays if the weather improves.
She said: "While it's important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people take pleasure in the Highlands' beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's also vital that they stay safe.
"We don'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."
That's a message which is being reiterated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Peter Cornall, head of leisure safety at RoSPA, said: "In previous years, the number of accidental drownings inland has peaked during hot spells.
"We want people to be out and about enjoying the summery weather and ideally swimming at properly-supervised sites, such as the local swimming pool."
Reservoirs are man-made features and because of their purpose, they have a number of unique hidden dangers.
These relate mainly to built structures such as dams, spillways ( and water intakes - underwater pipe work that takes water out of the reservoir.
Other hidden dangers found at reservoirs include deep cold water - even on a hot day - and underwater plant life and steep banks.
Mr Cornall added: "If people choose not to go to a supervised site, then we urge them to think through the risks of swimming in rivers, reservoirs and lochs before taking the plunge and to make sure they know what to do if something goes wrong.
"We encourage parents and carers to discuss the dangers with their children and to remind them that children should never swim alone at unsupervised locations.
"Among the hazards to consider are that, even on a hot day, water might be a lot colder than you were expecting and there may be strong currents and underwater debris that you cannot see from the bank.
"Consider how you are going to get out of the water once you are in it, be honest about your swimming ability and remember that alcohol and swimming never mix."
Each year, there are more accidental drowning deaths in inland waters than in any other type of water.
In 2009, there were 405 accidental water fatalities across the UK, of which more than half (213) happened in inland waters, which include rivers, lakes, lochs, reservoirs, canals and ponds.
Children are another group most at risk in such accidents.
Mrs Peebles added: "Natural hazards can also lurk beneath the surface, where children can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud. The majority of reservoirs are remote and so there is a lack of immediate assistance. Safety education is a priority - please play safe this summer."
During the summer holidays people are also more likely to seek exercise, both for themselves and their family pet. They are more likely to visit such sites during warm, sunny conditions.
One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives in, chasing a ball or stick.
The pet more often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, sometimes do not.
Dogs need to be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.
Anyone who would like more information can contact Scottish Water's Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855 or www.scottishwater.co.uk/takecare.
