Loch Doon water safety awareness training
Children and young people from New Cumnock Primary School have taken part in an outdoor water safety awareness course at Loch Doon in East Ayrshire.
Living in a rural area means that local children and young people have access to rivers, reservoirs and lochs and playing in or near water can be very tempting, especially during the summer months. Across Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue regularly respond to emergency calls from people who have witnessed someone getting into difficulty in open water and tragically, 96 people on average drown each year.
To ensure our children and young people understand the dangers of open water, the Council’s Health and Safety section have joined forces with Scottish Fire and Rescue, RNLI, Police Scotland, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Loch Doon Rangers and the Forestry Commission to deliver an innovative water safety awareness course.
Doon Academy and New Cumnock Primary, will attend the training sessions where they will learn about the hidden hazards within and around the water and how to correctly use the life-saving equipment strategically positioned around the loch. They will receive essential lifesaving skills training including CPR awareness and defib training and will be taught how to float in the water, should they find themselves in danger. They will also learn invaluable information about cold-water shock, which is one of the main causes of drowning in Scotland.
Councillor Drew Filson, local member for Doon Valley, attended the training session with New Cumnock Primary School. He said: “The water safety awareness training is now in its second year and will help to ensure that anyone coming along to enjoy Loch Doon, which is a true jewel in the crown of East Ayrshire in terms of its natural beauty, can do so as safely as possible. Loch Doon is deep, very cold at all times of the year and has strong currents, which can result in someone quickly getting into difficulty. It is important that as many people as possible understand the dangers, particularly our children and young people.
“I would like to thank all those who have been involved in making Loch Doon a safer place for everyone to enjoy.”
David Doran, Health and Safety Manager at East Ayrshire Council said: “While we are lucky in East Ayrshire to be able to enjoy beautiful river side and loch walks, open water is incredibly dangerous and we have to ensure that we treat open water with the respect it deserves.
“The water safety awareness course that the Health and Safety team has developed with our partners is innovative and I have no doubt, will ensure that our children and young people approach open water cautiously, understanding the significant dangers it can pose.”
In 2021, a Portsafe public access rescue system was installed at Loch Doon with funding from local landowner Drax and Scottish Fire and Rescue. The Portsafe system is a 17-metre extendable pole that can be used from the shore. The emergency services must be contacted for a code to access the equipment and are therefore immediately alerted to any drowning incident. A community access defibrillator has also been installed at the Roundhouse Café thanks to funding raised by the local community.
Ian McMeekin, Local Senior Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in East, North and South Ayrshire said: “The collaboration between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partner organisations in the delivery of water safety awareness training at Loch Doon is essential for promoting safety.
“Scotland's stunning waterways attract visitors, but it's important to recognise the risks. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provides vital advice: avoid unsupervised swimming, be cautious of cold water, undercurrents, and hidden hazards, refrain from alcohol near water, and teach children to respect lifesaving equipment. If affected by cold water, fight your instincts - don't swim hard or thrash about, stay calm, float on your back with arms and legs spread. After 90 seconds, call for help, search for floating objects, and remember to call emergency services at 999.
“Let's enjoy these waters safely, following the guidance to prevent accidents and protect lives.”
Chief Inspector Alison Wilson, Area Commander for East Ayrshire said: “Police Scotland are working alongside partners to promote water safety with children from the local schools. Whilst we are engaging with the young people, we are also educating them on antisocial behaviour at the water and raising awareness of wildlife crimes.
“It is important that we continue to educate and ensure that people know how to utilise the lifesaving equipment that is available and how to behave responsibly whilst enjoying the scenery.”
For more information on water safety: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/water-safety.aspx