ORGANISERS behind an event to mark World Drowning Prevention Day have warned that there is "no time for complacency" in the fight against accidental drownings.  

The information day took place at Lomond Shores in Balloch and was organised by Water Safety Scotland.

Among those in attendance were Police Scotland, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Water.

Over 30 different organisations and groups were at the site on Thursday, July 25 with information stalls to explain the different ways people can stay safe around water this summer.

(Image: Newsquest) Carlene McAvoy, secretariat and founder of Water Safety Scotland, opened up on the importance of the event.

“According to our latest report, water-related fatalities are at their lowest level since 2018," she said.

"Of course, this is promising, but this is no time for complacency on our part; one death is too many.

"Fortunately, events like World Drowning Prevention Day play a key role in promoting water safety and drowning prevention globally, nationally and locally. 

“Our event is underpinned by our key message – the Water Safety Code.

"The code provides life-saving information and advice and the event ensures that this is done in a fun and interactive way to help people in Scotland have a positive and safe experience in and around water.”  

(Image: Newsquest) Despite the reduction in overall fatalities, statistics from the National Water Safety Forum in 2023 show that Scotland's record on accidental drownings is still alarmingly high, with 47 reported last year.

These figures equate to almost 10 fatal drownings per one million people, almost triple the rate of the rest of the UK.

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Siobhian Brown MSP, minister for Victims and Community Safety, detailed the country-wide strategy to combat drownings.

"The Scottish government takes water safety very seriously and our Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners to further mitigate the risks from coastal and inland waters," she said.

"These include better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training.

“Thankfully, water-related deaths are at their lowest since 2018 but it is vital, especially over the summer, to continue to raise awareness of the risks. That is why World Drowning Prevention Day is so important.

“I would encourage everyone to follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency.”

As well as the information stalls, the public was also treated to a Newfoundland dog rescue demonstration and other activities were available.

(Image: Newsquest) Jackie Baillie MSP, and deputy leader of Scottish Labour, expressed her delight at the amount of children and adults engaging with the services at the event.

"Anything that helps with water safety is critical," she added. "It wasn't too long that we unfortunately experienced a number of deaths due to people drowning in Loch Lomond.

"Those were preventable deaths and anything that helps the general public become safer is something to be welcomed.

"Events like these are so important. The people of West Dunbartonshire took very personally that it was young children from this area who previously drowned.

"Days like these are absolutely vital for raising awareness for both children and adults.

"Hopefully we will prevent future deaths with exhibitions like today."