THE heartbroken family of a "one in a million" teenager who drowned in Loch Lomond have pleaded for lessons to be learned from his death.
Sixteen-year-old Connor Markward, from Easterhouse, lost his life at the beauty spot near Balloch Country Park on Friday, July 23, during a spell of hot weather.
His death was one of seven drownings in the space of a week last month across the country. He was enjoying a day out with friends - oblivious to the dangers of the water he was swimming in.
Now his grieving loved ones are calling for a safety campaign in schools to prevent a future tragedy.
Connor's sister Claire Lindsay told BBC Scotland News: "We are so heartbroken. He had a heart of gold.
"The morning of the incident, he was away to enjoy himself. He only gave me half a cuddle that time because he was in such a rush.
"I told him to be careful and he said he would call me later. I can't believe he walked out this door and never came back."
The 35-year-old admitted she had no idea about safety advice for people who get into trouble in the water - including leaning back and extending your arms and legs.
She said: "I never knew how dangerous Loch Lomond was. I think they should teach about currents and how deep the water is in nurseries and schools.
"I didn't even know until after Connor passed that when you get into difficulty you are not supposed to panic, and you should 'starfish' in the water. If you get taught that… it could save people's lives."
We previously told that a funeral service for the Rangers-daft teenager was held in Lochend Community High School before a service at Daldowie Crematorium.
READ MORE: Rangers fan Connor Markward laid to rest after service at Glasgow school
Connor's mother Margaret Lindsay told BBC Scotland her son was planning an exciting new phase of his life when tragedy struck.
She said: "It hits me every morning. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and a cuddle every day. I am missing his smile.
"The morning before he left for Loch Lomond, he was talking about college and setting up his first bank account. He couldn't wait to get his provisional licence and to drive."
Margaret, 52, believes easier access to swimming lessons for youngsters in school may help prevent another family from suffering like hers.
The Scottish Government said its sympathies were with Connor Markward's family and confirmed a meeting had been held with emergency services and other organisations to identify ways of reducing future fatalities.
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: "Beautiful and enticing as they often appear, Scotland's waters can be a source of lethal danger as we saw with the heartbreaking loss of lives this summer.
"I was heartened to hear a real determination and unity of purpose at Wednesday's meeting for everyone to work together to improve water safety.
"I am encouraged all participants agreed not only to review their own organisation's approach and performance but also to work collaboratively so that key, consistent messages get across to the public.
"We have agreed to come together again in a few weeks' time to assess what further effort is required to ensure greater protection for the public in future."
West Dunbartonshire Council, which is responsible for Balloch Country Park, told BBC Scotland it had bought 15 items of safety equipment which will be installed "as soon as possible".
Meanwhile, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority confirmed changes following Connor's death.
Simon Jones, director of environment and visitor services, said: "Our deepest sympathies go to the families of Connor and all of the others who died so tragically in water-related incidents over the last few weeks.
"In the immediate term, we have stepped up our water safety advice on the ground and online and encourage everyone to take some time to read about the dangers of the water in the national park and share this with their friends and family."
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution say there are five steps to know how to float:
• If you fall in the water, fight your instinct to thrash around
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs
• If you need to, gently move them around to help you float
• Float until you can control your breathing
• Only then, call for help or swim to safety
For more information, click here.
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