WITH the heatwave set to continue and Borders schoolchildren well into their summer holidays, Scottish Water and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are reminding youngsters and parents to "play it safe" around the region's rivers, reservoirs, lochs and streams, writes Andrew Keddie.
The warning comes just a month after 13-year-old Martin Moriarty from Kelso drowned after swimming with three friends at the town’s notorious Junction Pool on the River Tweed. Martin was recovered from the water about an hour after he was dragged ben
eath the surface by strong undercurrents and attempts by paramedics to resuscitate him failed.
“While it’s important that youngsters enjoy their school holidays and that people take pleasure in the beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs of the Borders, it’s also vital they stay safe,” said Bill Elliot, Scottish Water’s regional communities manager.
“Already this year we’ve seen temperatures soaring and hopefully there’s more sunny weather on the way over the next couple of months. 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.”
Peter Cornall, RoSPA’s head of leisure safety, added: “We promote the idea that life should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. We want people to get out and about, including enjoying the water. Swimming at a properly-supervised site, such as a beach, lido or swimming pool is the best option, although RoSPA understands not everyone is able to go to these locations.”
Mr Elliot said that, every year, there were more accidental drownings in inland waters than in any other locations, with children at highest risk.
“It is vital parents explain the dangers to their children,” said Mr Elliot. “Adults themselves should set a good example, but even strong swimmers could quickly succumb to waters which may be colder than they look.
“Natural hazards can also lurk beneath the surface, where children can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud. The majority of our reservoirs are remote and so there is a lack of immediate assistance.”
Mr Cornall added: “If you choose to go to an unsupervised location to swim you should have the skills to assess the many water hazards and know what to do if anyone gets into difficulty. Remember that even on a hot day, the 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.
“Be honest about your swimming ability and remember that alcohol and swimming do not mix. Children should never swim alone at unsupervised locations.”
Meanwhile, a plea has also gone out from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to pet owners.
“One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet dives in, chasing a ball or stick,” said SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn. “The pet often survives such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, do not.
“Extra care should always be taken when your dog is near water. Generally speaking, dogs are good swimmers, but strong currents or fast-moving water can result in an animal getting into difficulty.
