A group of youngsters have been spreading the word on water safety to help save lives.

The East Dunbartonshire Partnership Approach to Water Safety (ED PAWS) held its first event highlighting the work of the group.

The event held at Southbank Marina also included the delivery of waterside responder and CPR training, while a group of schoolchildren took part in a range of interactive activities.

Water safety has been a concern nationally and locally and the new ED PAWS agreement aligns with Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy which was launched in 2018.

It aims to reduce accidental drowning deaths in Scotland by 50% by 2026.

Organisations including East Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Water Safety Scotland, RNLI, Scottish Water, Scottish Canals, RoSPA, Open Water Rescue, HM Coastguard and others make up the partnership.

By forming ED PAWS, all agencies that have a responsibility for water safety have demonstrated their commitment to strong partnership working and the sharing of information, good practices and resources - which is key to the safety of our residents and visitors.

Area Commander Joe McKay is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's local senior officer for Argyll and Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire.

He said: "We want families to enjoy the water but enjoy it safely this summer. We will continue to work with partners to educate the public about the very real dangers of swimming in coastal and inland waters.”