The father of a girl who tragically died in the River Clyde joined Glasgow Humane Society to raise awareness about the dangers of open water amid scorching weather.
Gordon Goldie lost his 18-year-old daughter Sarah, pictured below, in 2016 after she had gone missing for nearly a month. Her body was later recovered from the river by the Glasgow Humane Society.
He joined the group that same year following their assistance in the search for his daughter and now he is vice-chairman.
He said: “Preventing entering the river in any way is the big message, and if we can prevent one unpleasant thing from happening to a person then it is worth it.
"It is important just now to note that the weather will be around 22 to 23 degrees, the water is nine degrees.
“Water temperature is roughly three months behind air temperature, meaning that in October and November, you would get some summer water temperature.
“The nice weather makes people want to hang about the water and think they would be okay but it would be roughly only 10/15 minutes before the cold water shock would take over.”
The vice-chairman added that water deaths are not always related to drowning, as they look to half accidental deaths by 2026.
He said: “There are a whole lot of deaths in the river that is not from drowning but cold water shock.
“We are committed to halving the number of accidental deaths by 2026.”
He was joined by Glasgow Humane Society officer William Graham who explained that while there has been a reduction in water deaths, people must remain vigilant.
He said: “In 2021, there were 105 water-related fatalities with 2022 noted a reduction to 96.
"This is a welcome decrease, however, there is always more to be done which could help prevent these unacceptable and preventable deaths.
“Recent data has identified that 62% of water-related in 2022 happened inland, so in places like rivers/reservoirs.”
Education about safety in and around the water is a priority according to Willam, as he calls for more awareness around water safety.
He added: “We need to educate people surrounding the dangers of open waters.
“We need to treat water safety as a priority. As we approach a time of heightened risk due to the upcoming school summer break and warm weather, we must make sure we do all we can to promote good education and safety advances to prevent these needless fatalities.
“Sadly it is often copycats who drown. They see others doing something and they want to try that too.
“Always think, there may be children or less experienced persons watching you who may try and be a “copycat”.
As one of the oldest practical life-saving organisations in the world - it was founded in 1790 - the society has played a huge role in the city, helping prevent deaths in and around the water.
To find out more about the Glasgow Humane Society, you can visit their website www.glasgowhumanesociety.org.uk
Additional information can also be found on websites by the Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and HM Coast Guard UK.
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