Stay Safe Around Reservoirs and Watercourses this Summer

“At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards.”

Scottish Water is calling on people to stay safe, behave responsibly, and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers, lochs, and beaches during the warm weather forecast in the coming week.

Figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) show that in 2024 there were a total of 33 accidental drownings in Scotland and 193 across the UK.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure at Scotland’s beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers and beaches, it’s absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and act 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 behave responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.” 

Deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs, which are working parts of Scottish Water’s infrastructure. Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows), and underwater pipework can also present real hazards.

Many of the utility’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor. In the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in its reservoirs.

The company’s reservoir safety advice is also targeted at pet owners. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their dog gets in trouble in the water and the owner enters the water body in an attempt to help it. Sometimes the dog survives but the owner doesn’t.

Reservoir Rangers

A team of Scottish Water reservoir rangers is helping visitors enjoy some of the country’s most popular locations and promoting water safety at reservoirs.

The rangers patrol some of our busiest reservoirs – at Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire, Gladhouse in Midlothian, Kilpatrick Hills in West Dunbartonshire, and Carron Valley, North Third, and Cocksburn in Stirlingshire.

Open Day Fun

In partnership with Water Safety Scotland, Scottish Water will once again host a Water Safety Open Day in support of World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25 July.

This annual, fun-filled, family-friendly event is open to all and aims to help equip people with some basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them be safer when they are in, on, or around water, particularly during the summer months. There will be active demonstrations and over 20 stall-holders at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch from 11am - 4pm.

More information and free educational resources available for children of all ages, for use in the classroom as well as at youth groups, are available at Water Safety Scotland. You can learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code.

Scottish Water is also reminding people to stay hydrated and encouraging them to take reusable bottles with them, whatever they are doing this weekend, and to check out our Top Up Tap map to find where the nearest Scottish Water bright, blue Top Up Taps is.

There is a network of over 130 across the country in towns, cities, parks, and at the coast to help stay hydrated while on the go. Check out our Top Up Tap Map