Dumfries and Galloway residents urged to stay safe around rivers and reservoirs
The plea has been issued ahead of Drowning Prevention Week after it emerged there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland last year.
People are being urged to stay safe around Dumfries and Galloway's reservoirs, rivers, lochs and beaches this summer.
The plea has been issued ahead of Drowning Prevention Week after it emerged there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland last year.
And the National Water Safety Forum has also revealed there have been 244 accidental drownings – 20 of them children – in the past five years.
Scottish Water's chief operating officer, Peter Farrer, said: 'While people should enjoy any good weather we have this summer and take pleasure around beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly.
'As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water.
'At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers.
'We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.'
The utility provider has issued the warning after reports of vandalism, littering, campfires and diving from water towers at reservoirs – many of which are in remote locations, meaning immediate help is unavailable.
Swimming in reservoirs is not encouraged as they have deep, cold water, with dams, steep banks, spillways and underwater pipework a real hazard.
Dog owners are also urged to take care.
Interim charity director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, which launches Drowning Prevention Week on June 14, said: 'In the last five years, only 39 per cent of those who accidentally drowned in Scotland intended to be in the water, highlighting how easy it is to unexpectedly get into trouble.
'With the summer holidays coming and families enjoying staycations across popular destinations in Scotland, it is even more vital that everyone has a strong understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water.'
Meanwhile, river levels in the region are continuing their recovery following the prolonged dry spell.
The catchment for the Esk has been lowered from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's warning system.
And the Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchments have now been moved to 'early warning' – the lowest rating – after SEPA noted widespread improvements in the west thanks to rain.
SEPA's Eilidh Johnston, said: 'When conditions reach the point where any further reduction in flow would risk damage to the environment, we must act.
'We know water is vital for people, farms and businesses, which is why we've been working so closely with abstractors and membership bodies to provide information about how the water scarcity situation has been developing in recent weeks.'
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