Hoteliers and those who live and work near Loch Lomond will be taught how to use life-saving equipment including throw lines after one of the worst Summers on record for drowning accidents.
Seven people died in Scotland's waters within 24 hours in July, during a spell of particularly warm weather .
The worst single loss of life was the drowning of Edina Olahova, 29, her son Rana Haris Ali, 9, and their friend Mohammad Asim Raza, 41, who died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lomond on July 24.
The family of another victim, 16-year-old Connor Markward, who died near Balloch Country Park, called for lessons to be learned after his death.
Rescue services say educating the public on hazards such as currents and cold water shock is crucial but say it’s also important that more people know what to do if they spot someone in difficulty.
Hotel and bars owners in Newcastle, Norwich and York have been trained in life-saving techniques by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and this will now be replicated in Scotland. The initial training will be focussed on Loch Lomond but it is hoped it can be extended to those who live and work around the Clyde.
The first training session got underway yesterday at Pinkston Watersports Centre in Port Dundas in the north of Glasgow.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to mother, son and family friend who died after getting into difficult in Loch Lomond
Roy Cunningham of the RNLI was repeatedly pulled to safety in the chilly canal waters using a throw bag after being instructed to float on his back.
Rescue experts say it is lighter and easier to use than the rings found near rivers and lochs.
Michael Avril, Regional Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland said the tragedies in the Summer had led to a period of analysis about what was working well and “what could happen in the future”.
“Unfortunately we had that period where seven people lost their lives - an absolute tragedy and we know this is still raw with the families and I want to extend my condolences.
“One of the things we identified that could make a big difference is working better together in partnership and sharing resources and this is an example of that today.
“The RNLI has a product called the waterside responder scheme which teaches people to be able to teach members of the public how to use throw lines and how to call for help.
“What we are doing today is sharing that resource with our colleagues at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Loch Lomond National Park so that they can take our learning and use it ahead of next Summer.
READ MORE: Loch Lomond National Park to examine swim safety after succession of deaths
“One of the things that people have problems with in Scotland is cold water shock which makes someone breathe really quick and the heart rate go really fast and that incapacitates you - you start to panic so our advice there is to get on to your back and don’t try to swim until your body settles down which can take 30 seconds to a minute."
The number of people who lost their lives in Scotland's waters doubled in July compared to the same period last year, official figures have shown. Ten people drowned, while a further 11 were injured, compared to five fatalities a year previously.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) say there is always a need for more life-saving equipment but say it’s more about ensuring it’s available to the public at the right places.
Loch Lomond is 22 miles long and up to 5 miles (8 km) wide, with an area of 27½ square miles. Its deepest part is near Inversnaid, where it sinks to over 625 feet (190 m).
READ MORE: Investigation after man dies while working on jetty at Perthshire hotel
The RNLI say all-outs are also increasingly linked to the growing popularity of stand-up paddleboards - incidents accounted for around 80% of RNLI water rescues during one week in July.
Leight Hamilton, ranger manager at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, said a lot of work had already been done to promote water safety messages to the public.
“This exercise today is going to help us deliver essential public rescue equipment training to not only the public but stakeholders, businesses and other members of staff.
“In general we want to encourage people to come out and have adventures in the countryside but we want them to do it safely and be responsible.”
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