14/06/2026
Information here on Drowning Prevention. Please have a read.
Stirling Council and its public safety partners are reminding people of
the dangers of open water ahead of Drowning Prevention Week and the
start of the school summer holidays.
Tragically there have been multiple deaths in water-related incidents
across the UK in recent weeks. Some of these have involved young people,
including a 16-year-old who died following an incident at Bracklin Falls
near Callander at the end of May.
Figures issued by the National Water Safety Forum show that there were
39 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2025 – and 202 across the UK
– with most occurring at inland locations such as reservoirs, rivers
and lochs or lakes.
To stay safe in or near open water, everyone should follow the Water
Safety Code [2]. This starts with planning ahead and spotting the
dangers, including:
* Be aware of cold water shock [3] (the involuntary response to the
body being suddenly or unexpectedly immersed into water which has a
temperature of less than 15 °C)
* Check for safety signage
* Avoid alcohol and drugs
* The depth of the water may hide underwater ledges, hidden currents
and unseen items
* Be aware of other water activities
* If it is safe to enter the water, ensure you have a safe way out.
Stirling Council schools will be sharing information and resources with
families about open water safety in the lead-up to Drowning Prevention
Week (13-20 June) to support their ongoing water-related safety learning
activities.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero
Committee, Cllr Alasdair Tollemache said: “Stirling is home to some of
Scotland’s most scenic watercourses, but they contain hidden dangers
which can be life threatening to even experienced swimmers. The spate of
recent water-related tragedies across the UK is a stark reminder of
this.
“Ahead of the school summer holidays and peak tourist season, when we
know more families and visitors will be spending time near our rivers,
lochs and reservoirs, it’s important that we remind people of all ages
of the serious risks and to follow the Water Safety Code [4] to stay
safe.
“Please help us save lives and enable everyone to enjoy
Stirlingshire’s beautiful outdoors safely by raising awareness of the
Code [5] with families, friends and others.”
Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
National Park Authority said: "We are delighted to continue our
longstanding collaborative work with local and national partners to
raise water safety awareness, including Water Safety Scotland’s Water
Safety Code, not only during Drowning Prevention Week, but in the weeks
and months that follow.
"Our Rangers will be on the loch and on land this summer, helping
everyone to enjoy the summer holidays in the National Park safely.
“The responsibility for educating everyone on the vital importance of
water safety does not rest with any single organisation or agency. It
doesn't happen overnight, or even over a season. It doesn't happen with
one targeted public awareness campaign or event. Achieving meaningful
progress and properly instilling this life-saving knowledge takes a
long-term, integrated and sustained effort - locally and nationally.”
Station Commander Anthony Mallon is the Scottish Fire and Rescue
Service's (SFRS) Community Safety Engagement for Prevention. He said:
“We want people of all ages to be safe around water to prevent
drowning.
“Remember that water is still very cold, even on warm days. The key
safety message for all of us is to follow the 3-step Water Safety Code.
“If you are having difficulty in water, then lie on your back, spread
your arms and legs and float to live. If you see someone else in trouble
in the water, never enter the water to attempt a rescue. You should call
999 and request the emergency services.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, which has about
300 reservoirs across the country, said: "At reservoirs, which are
working parts of our infrastructure, the water might look harmless but
there are many hidden dangers such as underwater pipework.
"The water temperature can also be very cold, even in warm weather. We
urge visitors to read the warning signs about people having died at
reservoirs and we do not encourage people to swim in them."
Royal Lifesaving Society Drowning Week Prevention Events
Join Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Rangers,
alongside partner agencies including Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, for a
series of free and interactive water safety events. The events are open
to everyone and will include key information and guidance on staying
safe in the water, as well as hands on lessons, including how to use a
throw line and lifejacket clinics.
The free drop-in events will take place on Saturday 13 June in Luss and
Saturday 20 June in Milarrochy Bay from 11am to 3pm.
More information
SFRS is a member of Water Safety Scotland, a national voluntary
association of organisations and individuals that aims to understand the
risks around water in Scotland and prevent water-related incidents.
More information on water safety and the Water Safety Code is available
on the SFRS website:
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/water-safety/ [6]
Additional information on water safety, including the Water Safety Code
is available by visiting: https://watersafetyscotland.org.uk/ [7]
Drowning Prevention Week is an annual, water safety campaign designed to
educate children and young adults in water safety and lifesaving skills.
It is led by Royal Life Saving Society UK. More information on the
campaign can be found by visiting:
https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/drowning-prevention-week-campaign
Find out how to stay safe when near or in water. We also have advice on fishing, boat, and swimming safety.
