Scottish Water issues advice to keep North Lanarkshire residents safe during winter

North Lanarkshire residents are being urged to stay safe around watercourses this winter.  Scottish Water is advising people to be vigilant and not to take risks around freezing rivers, reservoirs, lochs and any parts of watercourses that may be covered in ice.  Last year there were 46 accidental deaths in Scotland due to drowning, and many of them did not intend to enter the water.  They have issued some practical safety advice, including not getting too close to the edge of open water and keeping dogs on a lead near reservoirs and other watercourses.  There are more than 37,000 inland watercourses in Scotland including rivers, canals and reservoirs.  Reservoirs are man-made features and have hidden dangers.  Most have unique dangers such as dams, spillways or overflows, and hidden water intakes including underwater pipe work.  They also have other hazards common to natural bodies of water, such as reeds, strong currents, steep banks and deep cold water.  Scottish Water does not encourage swimming or diving in any of its reservoirs.  Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “Natural hazards can also lurk beneath the surface, where children and adults can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud. As the majority of reservoirs are remote, there is a lack of immediate assistance because the emergency services often can’t get to the area quickly.  “Water safety is a priority and we are urging people to stay safe this winter around reservoirs and any other bodies of water.”  Scottish Water’s safety message is being supported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).  Carlene McAvoy, of RoSPA Scotland, said: “In 2018, there were unfortunately 46 accidental deaths in Scotland due to drowning or submersion.  “A lot of these deaths will be of people who did not intend to be in the water, for example joggers and dog walkers.  “While we really want everybody to get out and enjoy Scotland’s beautiful waterways throughout the year, we urge them to do so safely.  “If you walk out onto frozen water there is no way of knowing whether it is going to hold your weight. If you are out walking, please take care around the edges of lochs, reservoirs and rivers. If a pet runs out onto the ice or jumps into the water, please do not go after them.  “We encourage parents to educate their children about the potentially-deadly dangers of walking on frozen water, and how to float to live if exposed to cold water shock, as children are among those most at risk.”  More winter safety advice is available at: www.rospa.com Scottish Water issues advice to keep North Lanarkshire residents safe during winter
Local News,Wishaw,Scottish Water

Local News,Wishaw,Scottish Water,